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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Target’s sale has discounts on thousands of storage furniture pieces, like this soft and roomy fleece bench with a lift-top and this cabinet that discreetly hides and deodorizes trash cans. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025 The bundle offers a simple three-step ritual of cleanse, moisturize and deodorize to smell fresh and clean. Caitlyn Martyn May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025 Then add baking soda to the wash to brighten, deodorize, and soften even more. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025 Once dry, these kernels are pressed to extract the oil and then deodorized. Sherri Gordon, Health, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deodorize

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deodorize was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deodorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deodorize. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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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