insecticide

[ɪnˈsɛktɪsaɪd]
nounmasculinepl: insecticides
inseticida
1. a chemical substance used to kill insects
The farmer sprayed insecticide on the crops to protect them from pests.
O agricultor pulverizou inseticida nas plantações para protegê-las de pragas.
2. a preparation or product containing toxic compounds designed to destroy harmful insects
This organic insecticide is safe for use around children and pets.
Este inseticida orgânico é seguro para usar perto de crianças e animais de estimação.
In Brazil, insecticides are widely used in agriculture due to the tropical climate and abundance of pests. The term 'inseticida' is used in both agricultural and domestic contexts. In the USA, there has been growing environmental concern about synthetic insecticides, leading to increased demand for organic alternatives. Both cultures recognize the importance of pest control but increasingly debate the environmental and health impacts of chemical insecticides.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pesticidebug killerpest control agentinsect repellent
Antonyms / Antônimos
insect attractantnatural insect habitat

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
inseticida
most common and standard term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
inseticida
standard usage in agricultural and urban contexts
Rio de Janeiro
inseticida
standard term, sometimes colloquially called 'veneno de inseto' (insect poison)
Portugal
inseticida
identical to Brazilian Portuguese; also used in European agricultural contexts

Related Words

pesticideherbicidefungicidechemicalagriculturepest controlspray

Related Idioms & Phrases

spray insecticide like there's no tomorrow
chemical warfare against insects
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