deodorize

verb

de·​odor·​ize dē-ˈō-də-ˌrīz How to pronounce deodorize (audio)
deodorized; deodorizing; deodorizes

transitive verb

1
: to eliminate or prevent the offensive odor of
2
: to make (something unpleasant or reprehensible) more acceptable
the movie deodorizes his scandalous career
deodorization noun
deodorizer noun

Examples of deodorize in a Sentence

We had the carpet cleaned and deodorized. the propaganda film attempts to deodorize the dictator's history of human rights abuses
Recent Examples on the Web This option also contains essential oils to deodorize smelly feet naturally. Sherri Gordon, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2024 Baking soda can also come in handy for deodorizing a trash can between cleaning sessions. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2023 No studies have examined whether charcoal helps deodorize fabrics, such as shoes. Dwyer Frame, Health, 31 Oct. 2023 Scent Most car carpet cleaners contain deodorizing agents, and some add a specific fragrance on top of that. Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 11 Apr. 2023 Then, spray the air around your seat and take a deep breath as its calming blend of peppermint, lemon, oregano, rosemary, thyme and lavender essential oils freshens and deodorizes your space. Jen Ator, Travel + Leisure, 15 Oct. 2023 Add one cup to a load of diapers to whiten, deodorize, and disinfect. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 And that's not all - this all-purpose odor remover can also be used to deodorize surfaces, appliances, drains, floors, toilets, and more. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2023 An odor-fighting deodorizing disc sticks to the inside of the cover to help fight smells. Jessica Booth, Parents, 23 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deodorize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deodorize was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near deodorize

Cite this Entry

“Deodorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deodorize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

deodorize

verb
de·​odor·​ize dē-ˈōd-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce deodorize (audio)
deodorized; deodorizing
: to eliminate or prevent the unpleasant odor of
deodorizer noun

Medical Definition

deodorize

transitive verb
de·​odor·​ize
variants or British deodorise
deodorized or British deodorised; deodorizing or British deodorising
: to eliminate or prevent the offensive odor of
deodorization noun
or British deodorisation
deodorizer noun
or British deodoriser

More from Merriam-Webster on deodorize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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