fumigate

[fyoo-mi-geyt] /ˈfyu mɪˌgeɪt/
verb (used with object), fumigated, fumigating.
1.
to expose to smoke or fumes, as in disinfecting or exterminating roaches, ants, etc.
Origin
1520-30; < Latin fūmigātus, past participle of fūmigāre to smoke, fumigate, equivalent to fūm(us) smoke + -igāre (v. suffix based on -ig-, noun derivative of agere to drive, do, as in remex, stem remig- oarsman, hence remigāre to row)
Related forms
fumigation, noun
fumigatory
[fyoo-mi-guh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, -gey-tuh-ree] /ˈfyu mɪ gəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, -ˌgeɪ tə ri/ (Show IPA), adjective
subfumigation, noun
unfumigated, adjective
Examples from the web for fumigation
  • fumigation of fruit using methyl bromide is an important quarantine treatment against many pests, including fruit flies.
  • Methyl bromide is a widely used pesticide for fumigation of stored product pests.
  • Proper dispensing equipment and training in fumigation is necessary and required to ensure a safe and effective fumigation.
  • fumigation is another procedure that adds cost and time to border crossings of agricultural products.
British Dictionary definitions for fumigation

fumigate

/ˈfjuːmɪˌɡeɪt/
verb
1.
to treat (something contaminated or infected) with fumes or smoke
Derived Forms
fumigation, noun
fumigator, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Latin fūmigāre to smoke, steam, from fūmus smoke + agere to drive, produce
Word Origin and History for fumigation
n.

late 14c., "make aromatic smoke as part of a ceremony," from Old French fumigation, from Latin fumigationem (nominative fumigatio) "a smoking," noun of action from past participle stem of fumigare "to smoke," from fumus "smoke, fume" (see fume) + root of agere "to drive" (see act (n.)). Sense of "exposure (of someone or something) to aromatic fumes" is c.1400, originally as a medicinal or therapeutic treatment.

fumigate

v.

1520s, back-formation from fumigation. Related: Fumigated; fumigating.

fumigation in Medicine

fumigate fu·mi·gate (fyōō'mĭ-gāt')
v. fu·mi·gat·ed, fu·mi·gat·ing, fu·mi·gates
To subject to smoke or fumes, usually in order to exterminate pests or disinfect.

fu'mi·ga'tion n.