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sterilize

[ ster-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈstɛr əˌlaɪz /
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See synonyms for: sterilize / sterilized / sterilizer 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.
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Also especially British, ster·i·lise .

Origin of sterilize

First recorded in 1685–95; sterile + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM sterilize

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, 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
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