antiseptic

American  

[an-tuh-sep-tik] / ˌæn təˈsɛp tɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to or affecting antisepsis.

2. free from or cleaned of germs and other microorganisms.

3. exceptionally clean or neat.

4. free of contamination or pollution.

---

noun

• antiseptics
  plural

1. an antiseptic agent.

antiseptic British  

/ ˌæntɪˈsɛptɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or effecting antisepsis

2. entirely free from contamination

3. informal lacking spirit or excitement; clinical

---

noun

1. an antiseptic agent or substance

antiseptic Scientific  

/ ăn′tĭ-sĕp′tĭk /

1. A substance that inhibits the proliferation of infectious microorganisms.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antiseptically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• antiseptics
  plural

Etymology

Origin of antiseptic

First recorded in 1745–55; anti- + septic

Explanation

If you are out to kill some microorganisms, an antiseptic will come in handy! If you go to a hospital for a cut on your arm, the nurse will apply an antiseptic to the wound because it will kill any bacteria, while not harming your healthy skin. Antiseptic is also an adjective that describes the state of being clean and without disease-causing bacteria: "The antiseptic wash the nurse splashed over your arm was bright blue and smelled funny, but it kept your wound free of infection." Antiseptic can also describe something that is clean in a different way — as in, free of any objectionable language. A comedian's jokes could be so antiseptic that even your grandmother would like them.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

antiseptic antiseptics

It found that chlorhexidine, an antiseptic mouthwash, disrupted nitrate processing and reduced gastric nitric oxide synthesis, while dietary nitrate supplementation partly preserved microbial function and nitric oxide related signaling during antiseptic use.

From Science Daily ● May 25, 2026

If possible, wash the wound with soap and water; avoid using antiseptic wipes, which may irritate the wound.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 23, 2026

Though the sunshine of free speech remains the best antiseptic against poison, Mr. Carlson is more interested in the spotlight than serious debate.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2025

While bemoaning the antiseptic, “look, don’t touch” aesthetic of modern cinema, Benedict did find time to tie it to the way we live, saying that the inhumanity of modern homes has crept into our bodies.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2025

The nurse who dabs my arm with antiseptic is breathless and looks around at all the activity instead of at my wound.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Garlic extract has been found to offer antimicrobial effects that are on par with commonly used antiseptics and disinfectants such as chlorhexidine, according to medical researchers at the University of Sharjah.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 8, 2025

He celebrated the wave of innovations that had enriched human existence—railroads, steamships, telegraphs, telephones, electric lights, anesthetics, antiseptics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 14, 2025

Les spent long hours in the surgical theater, which in Macclesfield had little in the way of ventilation, and Joy typically found that he came home smelling of anesthetics, antiseptics and blood.

From New York Times ● Jun. 14, 2024

It sells over-the-counter antiseptics and laxatives, according to court documents.

From Reuters ● May 23, 2023

The treatment must be both general with antitoxin and local with antiseptics.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 1 "Evangelical Church Conference" to "Fairbairn, Sir William" by Various

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile