inactivate

verb

in·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˌ)i-ˈnak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce inactivate (audio)
inactivated; inactivating; inactivates

transitive verb

: to make inactive
chemicals to inactivate viruses
inactivation noun

Examples of inactivate in a Sentence

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.
The activity of p53 in a cell is regulated by another gene known as MDM2 that encodes a protein that essentially inactivates the p53 protein. New Atlas, 20 May 2025 Prions are notoriously difficult to inactivate or destroy — withstanding standard sterilization techniques — and can remain intact for months and years on a surface, Geschwind said. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 Sykes said the agency could potentially require that commercially available pet foods be treated to inactivate pathogens or require demonstration of regular testing. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2025 As of March 22, 2024, KMR had inactivated its franchises in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta with SAG-AFTRA, according to the union. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inactivate

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inactivate was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inactivate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

inactivate

verb
in·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˈ)in-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce inactivate (audio)
: to make inactive
inactivation noun

Medical Definition

inactivate

transitive verb
in·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˈ)in-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce inactivate (audio)
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
inactivation noun
inactivator noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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