This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
sterilize
[ ster-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈstɛr əˌlaɪz /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Also especially British, ster·i·lise .
OTHER WORDS FROM sterilize
Words nearby sterilize
sterigma, sterilant, sterile, sterility, sterilization, sterilize, sterilizer, sterlet, sterling, sterling area, sterling bloc
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use sterilize in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for sterilize
sterilize
sterilise
/ (ˈstɛrɪˌlaɪz) /
verb
(tr) to render sterile; make infertile or barren
Derived forms of sterilize
sterilizable or sterilisable, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012