vermin

/'və:min/

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Word: Vermin

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: "Vermin" refers to small animals or insects that are considered pests. These are creatures that can harm crops, spread diseases, or cause damage to property. Common examples include rats, mice, cockroaches, and other similar pests. Additionally, "vermin" can also describe an irritating or unpleasant person.

Usage Instructions:

• "Vermin" is usually used in a negative context because it refers to pests or nuisances.
• It can be used in both formal and informal settings, but it is more commonly found in discussions about pests or in literature.

Examples:

1. "Cereals must be protected from mice and other vermin."
2. "The farmer set traps to catch the vermin that were eating his crops."
3. "He referred to the bullies at school as vermin because they made everyone's life miserable."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, "vermin" can be used metaphorically to describe people or groups who are seen as harmful or undesirable in society.

Word Variants:

• Verminous (adjective): This describes something that is infested with vermin or relates to vermin. For example, "The verminous house was filled with rats and mice."

Different Meanings:

• In a literal sense, it refers to pests.
• In a figurative sense, it can describe people who are considered bothersome or harmful to society.

Synonyms:

• Pests
• Rodents
• Nuisances
• Critters (informal)
• Scoundrels (when used to describe people)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no common idioms that specifically include "vermin," it can be used in expressions related to pests or nuisances, such as: - "Get rid of the vermin" (to eliminate unwanted pests or bothersome people).

Summary:

"Vermin" is a noun used to describe small, often harmful animals or insects, as well as unpleasant people.

Academic

Noun

1. any of various small animals or insects that are pests; e.g. cockroaches or rats
   • cereals must be protected from mice and other vermin
   • he examined the child's head for vermin
   • boys in the village have probably been shooting vermin
2. an irritating or obnoxious person

Synonyms

• varmint