inactivate
verb
in·ac·ti·vate
(ˌ)i-ˈnak-tə-ˌvāt 
inactivated; inactivating; inactivates
: to make inactive
chemicals to inactivate viruses
Examples of inactivate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The decision to inactivate the USS Boise is just the start of Phelan’s shakeup plans.
—
Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
This is quite effective when the guide RNA can base-pair with a DNA virus, as the resulting cut will inactivate the virus.
—ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026
The practice effectively inactivated a dozen transplant candidates who were not notified of the changes.
—Julian Gill, Houston Chronicle, 5 Feb. 2026
Regular honey is processed by filtration and heating, which removes or inactivates many of the beneficial compounds in honey, but clarifies it and prolongs its shelf life.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inactivate
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Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
This is quite effective when the guide RNA can base-pair with a DNA virus, as the resulting cut will inactivate the virus.
—ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026
The practice effectively inactivated a dozen transplant candidates who were not notified of the changes.
—Julian Gill, Houston Chronicle, 5 Feb. 2026
Regular honey is processed by filtration and heating, which removes or inactivates many of the beneficial compounds in honey, but clarifies it and prolongs its shelf life.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inactivate
Cite this Entry
“Inactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inactivate. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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Medical Definition
inactivate
transitive verb
in·ac·ti·vate
(ˈ)in-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
inactivated; inactivating
: to make inactive: as
a
: to destroy certain biological activities of
inactivate the complement of normal serum by heat
b
: to cause (as an infectious agent) to lose disease-producing capacity
inactivate bacteria
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