noun
vermin
VUR-mihn
noun
1
Small animals, especially rodents or insects, considered pests because they damage crops, spread disease, or cause a nuisance.
"The old barn was infested with vermin."
2
An offensive term for a despicable or contemptible person.
"The dictator dismissed his critics as vermin."
How to Use Vermin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPest animals like rats and mice — or, as an insult, worthless or despicable people.
When to use it
Calling a person "vermin" is a strong insult; use with care.
Word Forms
vermins plural
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Etymology
From Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin verminum, a collective term built from Latin vermis ("worm").