sterilize

[ ster-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈstɛr əˌlaɪz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR sterilize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), ster·i·lized, ster·i·liz·ing.

to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.
to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sex organs or inhibiting their functions.
to make (land) barren or unproductive.
Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from: to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press.
Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc.: You can't sterilize children against violence.

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE WORDS FROM "LITTLE WOMEN"

"Little Women" may be a classic, but that doesn't mean we all know the meanings of the vocab words from the book. Can you define these words correctly and make Jo proud?
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earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose.
a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.
urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
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Also especially British, ster·i·lise.

Origin of sterilize

First recorded in 1685–95; sterile + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM sterilize

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH sterilize

impotence sterility sterilized

Words nearby sterilize

sterigma, sterilant, sterile, sterile cyst, sterilization, sterilize, sterilizer, sterlet, sterling, sterling area, sterling bloc
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to sterilize

decontaminate, neuter, disinfect, spay, sanitize, castrate, pasteurize, emasculate, fix, purify, incapacitate, clean, fumigate, alter, change, autoclave, desexualize, antisepticize

Example sentences from the Web for sterilize

British Dictionary definitions for sterilize

sterilize

sterilise

/ (ˈstɛrɪˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to render sterile; make infertile or barren

Derived forms of sterilize

sterilizable or sterilisable, adjective
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

Medical definitions for sterilize

sterilize
[ stĕr′ə-līz′ ]

v.

To make free from live bacteria or other microorganisms.
To deprive a person or animal of the ability to produce offspring, as by removing the reproductive organs.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.