Varmint Meaning and Definition
Varmint
Pronunciation
/ˈvɑrmɪnt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A pest or animal considered to be detrimental or a nuisance, such as a rodent or pest, particularly one that is destructive or difficult to eradicate.
Examples
- The farmer was frustrated with the varmints that were eating his crops.
- The pest control service was called to deal with the infestation of varmints in the city.
- The hunter went deer hunting to eliminate the varmints that were damaging the ecosystem.
- The farmer’s wife was worried about the health risks posed by the varmints in their garden.
- The town council implemented measures to manage the varmints that were spreading disease.
Synonyms
- Pest
- Vermin
- Killer
Antonyms
- Beneficial
- Useful
Etymology
The word “varmints” is derived from the Middle English word “varmint”, which is also related to the Old French word “varment”, meaning “vermin” or “pest”.
Usage Notes
Varmint can be used as a general term for a pest or nuisance, but it is often more specific to large or aggressive animals that are considered a threat to humans, agriculture, or the environment.
Cultural References
Varmint has been used in various contexts in literature and media, such as in the phrase “varmint hunt” in Western fiction, or in describing the elimination of pests in agricultural settings.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “get rid of the varmints” – to eliminate a nuisance or pest
- “varmint hunt” – to search for and eliminate pests or nuisances
Related Words or Phrases
- Pest control
- Rodent
- Vermin
Collocations
- Varmint infestation
- Varmint control measures
Frequency of Use
Varmint is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it is still used in certain contexts, such as agriculture and pest control.
Common Misspellings
- Varmit
- Varmiint