deodorize

verb

de·​odor·​ize dē-ˈō-də-ˌrīz 

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

dē-ˌō-də-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

deodorizer noun

Synonyms of deodorize

• excuse
• explain
• justify
• palliate
• whitewash
• explain away
• gloss (over)

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

Use hydrogen peroxide as a pre-wash treatment or booster to deodorize towels and bath mats. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026

However, these newer deodorants marketed as whole-body deodorants often do a good job at deodorizing the areas that create malodorous smells. —ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026

The vinegar will help break down grease, deodorize, and kill lingering mildew. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026

The fresh air from opening windows during drying can also naturally deodorize the mattress. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deodorize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

deodorize

verb

de·​odor·​ize dē-ˈōd-ə-ˌrīz 

deodorized; deodorizing

: to eliminate or prevent the unpleasant odor of

deodorizer noun

Medical Definition

deodorize

transitive verb

de·​odor·​ize

variants or British deodorise

dē-ˈōd-ə-ˌrīz 

deodorized or British deodorised; deodorizing or British deodorising

: to eliminate or prevent the offensive odor of

deodorization noun

or British deodorisation

-ˌōd-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

deodorizer noun

or British deodoriser