Difference between Eradicate and Exterminate

What is the difference between Eradicate and Exterminate?

Eradicate as a verb is to pull up by the roots; to uproot. while Exterminate as a verb is to kill all of a population, usually deliberate and especially applied to pests.

Eradicate

Part of speech: verb

Definition: To pull up by the roots; to uproot. To completely destroy; to put an end to; to extirpate.

Example sentence: In 1967, the world health community launched a global effort to eradicate smallpox. It took a coordinated, worldwide effort, required the commitment of every government, and cost $130 million dollars. By 1977, smallpox had disappeared.

Exterminate

Part of speech: verb

Definition: To kill all of a population, usually deliberate and especially applied to pests.To bring a definite end to, finish completely. A rather strong word that implies that what has been ended won't resurface.

We hope you now know whether to use Eradicate or Exterminate in your sentence.

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