disinfectant

American  

[dis-in-fek-tuhnt] / ˌdɪs ɪnˈfɛk tənt /

noun

1. any chemical agent used chiefly on inanimate objects to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful organisms.

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adjective

1. serving as a disinfectant.

disinfectant British  

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt /

noun

1. an agent that destroys or inhibits the activity of microorganisms that cause disease

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Etymology

Origin of disinfectant

1830–40; < French désinfectant, noun use of present participle of désinfecter, Middle French. See disinfect, -ant

Explanation

If you need to clean a nasty mess, grab some disinfectant. It's a powerful cleanser that kills bacteria. Disinfectant is a chemical that can destroy dangerous microorganisms — using it is the next best thing to sterilization. If someone in your family has had the flu, it makes sense to use a disinfectant when you clean the bathroom, just in case there are lingering germs on the doorknobs and faucets. Disinfectants are similar to antibiotics and antiseptics, except they're used on objects and surfaces rather than on (or in) our bodies.

Example Sentences

Reckitt Benckiser RKT -1.31%decrease; red down pointing triangle booked higher revenue last year, with the Lysol disinfectant maker’s sales boosted by progress in emerging markets as it continues efforts to engineer a turnaround.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

At 7:00 am, relatives brought packages: deodorant, toothpaste, soap and shampoo in labeled plastic bags, plus disinfectant and bleach -- provisions essential for maintaining hygiene in the latrines of tiny cells.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

Mr Inch said the water was contaminated so they washed with a disinfectant and were concerned about becoming unwell.

From BBC • May 26, 2025

Sunlight, too, is a great and timeless disinfectant: airy, open spaces don’t just allow air movement that reduces transmission risk — they actually let sunlight in where it can kill bacteria in the air.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2025

She believed firmly in the disinfectant qualities of vinegar and sunshine, and who’s to say she was wrong?

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile