sterilize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.
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to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sexual organs or inhibiting their functions.
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to make (land) barren or unproductive.
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Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from.
to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press.
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Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc..
You can't sterilize children against violence.
verb
Other Word Forms
- presterilize verb (used with object)
- resterilize verb (used with object)
- self-sterilized adjective
- sterilizability noun
- sterilizable adjective
- sterilizer noun
- unsterilized adjective
Etymology
Origin of sterilize
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Kluh’s district uses X-rays to sterilize males but there are other methods, such as using genetically modified insects or ones infected with bacteria.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026
To address the overpopulation problem, county officials have approved new deals with a local nonprofit to help sterilize and relocate many of the pint-size equines to sanctuaries.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025
I told her to try to sterilize the water, and she responded that she does not have enough cooking gas and cannot heat water more than once a day.
From Slate • Oct. 22, 2024
Ultimately, it’s up to retailers to remove affected products from the case and sterilize equipment properly.
From Salon • Aug. 15, 2024
“First we will clean and sterilize the wound.”
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
