deflea
verb/diːˈfliː/
Etymology From de- + flea (noun).
1
To rid of fleas.
- I had to deflea our cat with a flea comb, even though it wears a flea collar.
- The DDT powder does not kill the rats; it merely defleas them and lessens the likelihood of the spread of typhus fever from rat to man.1948, University of Florida Publications in Experimental Applied Economics, volume 3, page 124:
4 more examples
- A fine metal flea comb is an added aid in defleaing a cat, especially if you are the type who gains satisfaction from “cracking” fleas caught in the comb, or from trying to drown them in a glass of water!1969, Elizabeth Charles, How to Keep Your Pet Healthy, page 99:
- She cares personally for her dogs, feeds them, defleas them, shouts crossly at them when they misbehave.1977, The New York Times Biographical Service, volume 8, page 57:
- House, kennels, bedding, runs, all have to be defleaed, as well as the dogs. Note: If the dogs have to be wormed, it is wise to postpone any defleaing efforts for three weeks after worming.1986, Pure-bred Dogs American Kennel Gazette, volume 103, page 95:
- I had my own dog, but I also caught every stray dog in the neighborhood, washed and defleaed it, and anointed it with cologne (causing a great rumpus when discovered by one of my sisters from whom the cheap scent had been appropriated).1989, Stuart Brent, Seven Stairs: An Adventure of the Heart, page 132: