cauterize

American  

[kaw-tuh-rahyz] / ˈkɔ təˌraɪz /

especially British, cauterise

verb (used with object)

cauterized, cauterizing

1. to burn with a hot iron, electric current, fire, or a caustic, especially for curative purposes; treat with a cautery.

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cauterize British  

/ ˈkɔːtəˌraɪz /

verb

1. (tr) (esp in the treatment of a wound) to burn or sear (body tissue) with a hot iron or caustic agent

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cauterize Scientific  

/ kô′tə-rīz′ /

1. To burn or sear with a cautery, as in surgical procedures.

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Other Word Forms

• cauterization noun
• uncauterized adjective

Etymology

Origin of cauterize

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin cautērizāre to brand, equivalent to cautēr- (< Greek kautḗr branding iron, equivalent to kau-, variant stem of kaíein to burn ( caustic ), + -tēr agent suffix) + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

If any bleeding occurs during the polyp removal, doctors can cauterize the wound to seal it, but this method creates a scar that may delay the healing, and result in additional complications.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2024

"And then when things really come to a head, they try to cauterize the wound at the lowest level possible."

From Salon • Mar. 2, 2023

In trying to cauterize its own Spacey-sized wound, Sony Pictures is eager to preserve whatever awards and box-office hopes “All the Money in the World” might have.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2017

It said, “Mr. Frazier and others like him galvanized the national conversation and helped cauterize the wound inflicted by Charlottesville.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 25, 2017

“I just thought you might have a few extra minutes to cauterize the inside of Jack’s nasal passages,” Mom said smoothly.

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos