The difference between Exterminate and Extirpate

When used as verbs, exterminate means to kill all of (a population of pests or undesirables), usually intentionally, whereas extirpate means to clear an area of roots and stumps.


check bellow for the other definitions of Exterminate and Extirpate

  1. Exterminate as a verb (transitive):

    To kill all of (a population of pests or undesirables), usually intentionally.

    Examples:

    "We'll use poison to exterminate the rats."

  2. Exterminate as a verb (figuratively, transitive):

    To bring a definite end to; finish completely.

    Examples:

    "The public school failed to exterminate truancy."

  1. Extirpate as a verb (transitive, obsolete):

    To clear an area of roots and stumps.

  2. Extirpate as a verb (transitive):

    To pull up by the roots; uproot.

  3. Extirpate as a verb (transitive):

    To destroy completely; to annihilate.

  4. Extirpate as a verb (transitive):

    To surgically remove.