delouse
Rid of nits
To delouse is to rid a person, animal, or object of lice—the parasitic insects that infest hair, fur, or clothing.
The process typically involves chemical treatments, special combs, or thorough cleaning: The shelter deloused new arrivals before assigning beds.
Figuratively, delouse can mean to remove unwanted elements from something: We need to delouse the code before launch.
Bloodsucking scalp insects
- nitsLice before hatching
- eggsReproductive cells in shells
- parasitesOrganisms feeding off hosts
- scalpSkin covering skull
itching · head lice · body lice · pubic lice · vermin · infestation · crawling · nymphs
Synthetic bug-killing compound
- pyrethrinPlant-based insect toxin
- ivermectinAntiparasitic medication for worms
- nit combTool for removing lice
- medicated shampooHair cleanser with treatment
topical · rinse · prescription · anti-parasitic · lindane · dimethicone · over-the-counter · dermatologist
Soldiers' residential building
- soldiersMilitary personnel who fight
- trench warfareCombat from fortified ditches
- typhusLouse-transmitted bacterial infection
- refugee campShelter site for displaced foreigners
POW · inspection · processing · DDT · wartime · hygiene station · epidemic prevention
Eliminate unwanted elements
- cleanseRemove dirt or sin
- ridTo remove unwanted elements
- root outDiscover and remove thoroughly
- removeTake something away
eliminate · expunge · clear out · weed out · clean up · debug · sanitize · purify
Kill pathogens on surfaces
- sterilizeEliminate all microorganisms
- sanitizeCleanse of pathogens
- decontaminateRemove harmful substances
- fumigatePurge pests using gas
hot water · dry cleaning · vacuum · quarantine · launder · high heat · clothing · combs
lice
Bloodsucking scalp insects
scalp · itching · head lice · body lice · pubic lice · vermin · infestation · crawling · nymphs · outbreak
permethrin
Synthetic bug-killing compound
- pyrethrinPlant-based insect toxin
- ivermectinAntiparasitic medication for worms
- nit combTool for removing lice
medicated shampoo · topical · rinse · prescription · anti-parasitic · lindane · dimethicone · over-the-counter · dermatologist · fine-tooth comb
barracks
Soldiers' residential building
- soldiersMilitary personnel who fight
- trench warfareCombat from fortified ditches
- typhusLouse-transmitted bacterial infection
refugee camp · POW · inspection · processing · DDT · wartime · hygiene station · epidemic prevention
purge
Eliminate unwanted elements
remove · eliminate · expunge · clear out · weed out · clean up · debug · sanitize · purify · eradicate
disinfect
Kill pathogens on surfaces
- sterilizeEliminate all microorganisms
- sanitizeCleanse of pathogens
- decontaminateRemove harmful substances
fumigate · hot water · dry cleaning · vacuum · quarantine · launder · high heat · clothing · combs · brushes
delouseinfest
Occupy harmfully en masse
louse up · reinfest · infect · contaminate · parasitize