What does deworm mean?
Deworm is a transitive verb meaning to remove or expel worms, especially intestinal parasites, from an animal, person, or other system. Its most common use is in veterinary and agricultural care: pet owners may deworm cats and dogs, while farmers may deworm livestock such as cattle, sheep, or horses. Public-health guidance may also use the word when referring to the treatment of intestinal worm infections. The verb is straightforward and literal, though it can occasionally be used metaphorically for clearing unwanted elements from an organization, device, or process. Deworming is typically performed through medicine or other established parasite-control methods, with the specific treatment depending on the organism and the advice of a qualified professional. The word is useful because it names the specific task of eliminating parasitic worms, rather than the broader act of treating an infection or administering medicine generally.
verbTo remove or expel worms, especially intestinal parasites, from an animal, person, or other system.
- To remove or expel worms or other internal parasites from an animal, person, or system.
"The veterinarian recommended deworming the puppies before they went to their new homes."
"Farmers deworm their livestock at the beginning of the grazing season."
"The shelter dewormed every cat before releasing the animals for adoption."
Deworm is a compact instruction that means exactly what it says: remove the worms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does deworm come from?
Deworm is a modern English compound formed from the prefix de-, indicating removal or reversal, and worm. The element worm comes from Old English wyrm, an inherited Germanic word for a worm or serpent; its Germanic relatives include forms meaning serpent or dragon. The English word is also cognate with Latin vermis, the source of related forms such as vermin and vermicular, while modern derivatives such as vermiculture use the same Latin root in specialized meanings.
Related word forms
How deworm is actually used
Usually transitive. It is common in veterinary, agricultural, and public-health contexts, while everyday usage often appears in phrases such as “deworm pets.” The verb can also be used figuratively for removing unwanted elements from a system, though that extended sense is less standard.