sanitize

[ san-i-tahyz ]

/ ˈsæn ɪˌtaɪz /

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See synonyms for: sanitize / sanitized on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), san·i·tized, san·i·tiz·ing.

to free from dirt, germs, etc., as by cleaning or sterilizing.

to make less offensive by eliminating anything unwholesome, objectionable, incriminating, etc.: to sanitize a document before releasing it to the press.

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Also especially British, san·i·tise .

Origin of sanitize

First recorded in 1830–40; sanit(ary) + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM sanitize

san·i·ti·za·tion, nounun·san·i·tized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for sanitize

A sanitizing vacuum helps kick pathogens out the door, a beast of an air treatment machine works to fix poor indoor air quality, and burly roof shingles ensure you’ll stay dry regardless of how hard the wind blows.
The 8 most helpful new home products of 2020|By Sandra Gutierrez G. and John Kennedy|December 3, 2020|Popular Science
In addition to advances made by companies like J Ferg Global, the increasing need to safely and efficiently sanitize workspaces has created an exciting opportunity for innovation.
Making the workplace safer with innovative covid-19-fighting solutions|Jason Sparapani|December 2, 2020|MIT Technology Review
Touchless sinks, like the U by Moen Smart Kitchen Faucet, allows everyone to quickly and safely sanitize while keeping germs at bay.
How We Do…Smarter & Safer Homes|Steven Psyllos|October 22, 2020|Essence.com
Our stores still are not clean, our bathrooms not fully sanitized.
If Walmart wants to hear workers’ voices, it should give us a seat at the table|matthewheimer|October 16, 2020|Fortune

Stripping food from its undoubtedly political history in order to offer a sanitized version digestible by the majority allows for the frightening notion that minorities are separate and distinct from what they offer to the country.
Why Do Fast-Casual Restaurants Get a Pass on Appropriation?|Jenny Dorsey|October 5, 2020|Eater
Where necessary, the commission will provide pens in polling booths that will be routinely sanitized.
Liberian Senatorial Elections Defy Ebola|Wade Williams|December 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Between runs, transport trucks not only must be cleaned, they now have to be sanitized.
Aporkalypse Now: Pig-Killing Virus Could Mean the End of Bacon|Carrie Arnold|August 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Death and suffering must have dignity, and it must be sanitized.
To Truly Shame Putin, Show Us the Bodies of MH17|Tim Teeman|July 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Is this ignorant and sanitized speech truly a windfall for feminism?
Lana Del Rey and the Fault in Our ‘Feminist’ Stars|Amy Zimmerman|June 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Don't be fooled by the soft, sanitized, and safe version of Dr. King.
We Need MLK’s Revolutionary Spirit|Roland S. Martin|January 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for sanitize

sanitize

sanitise

/ (ˈsænɪˌtaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to make sanitary or hygienic, as by sterilizing

to omit unpleasant details from (a news report, document, etc) to make it more palatable to the recipients

Derived forms of sanitize

sanitization or sanitisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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sanitize

verb (used with object), san·i·tized, san·i·tiz·ing.