deodorize

American  

[dee-oh-duh-rahyz] / diˈoʊ dəˌraɪz /

especially British, deodorise

verb (used with object)

deodorized, deodorizing

1. to rid of odor, especially of unpleasant odor.

---

deodorize British  

/ diːˈəʊdəˌraɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to remove, disguise, or absorb the odour of, esp when unpleasant

---

Other Word Forms

• deodorization noun
• deodorizer noun
• nondeodorizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of deodorize

First recorded in 1855–60; de- + odor + -ize

Explanation

To deodorize is to remove or hide bad smells. After cooking fish, you could deodorize your kitchen by burning a cinnamon-scented candle. Whenever you cover up a stinky odor, you deodorize. Using deodorant under your arms is one way to deodorize, and spraying an air freshener around your house or burning incense are other ways. The word dates from the 19th century, from a combination of de-, "undo" or "do the opposite of," odor, Latin for "a smell," and -ize, a verb-forming suffix.

Example Sentences

She explained that the batons, a centuries-old French tradition, can stave off fleas, mice, rats, moles, scorpions and spiders; deodorize your bathroom; help you sleep; and calm your raw nerves.

From Washington Post • Jul. 22, 2022

Sprinkle it on carpets or rugs to clean and deodorize, or mix with dish soap to clean your sink.

From Fox News • Dec. 30, 2021

Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia.

From Washington Times • Aug. 2, 2017

There are a number of ways to sanitize and deodorize, using either vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or cut lemons.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2016

V. be inodorous &c. adj.†; not smell. deodorize.

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark