sanitize

verb san·i·tize \ ˈsa-nə-ˌtīz \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of sanitize

sanitized; sanitizing

transitive verb

1 : to make sanitary (as by cleaning or sterilizing)

2 : to make more acceptable by removing unpleasant or undesired features

attempts to sanitize historical accounts

—

sanitization

play \ˌsa-nə-tə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

See sanitize defined for English-language learners

See sanitize defined for kids

Examples of sanitize in a Sentence

The housekeeping staff sanitized the bathroom.
They're trying to sanitize the news.

Recent Examples of sanitize from the Web

In most labs today, the animals’ cages are sanitized, and their water bottles and food are sterilized.

— cassandra willyard, Scientific American, "Squeaky Clean Mice Could be Ruining Research," 9 Apr. 2018
For example, not sanitizing a brush between customers.

— richard ruelas, azcentral, "Blow dryers and bullies: How haircuts became a major issue for Gov. Doug Ducey," 5 Apr. 2018
The doctor's advice: Make sure the instruments being used for your manicure and pedicure are sterilized, confirm that the foot baths are properly sanitized, and never let the technician use a razor or shaver on your calluses.

— marci robin, Allure, "This Woman Claims Her Finger Was Cut at a Nail Salon, and Now It May Be Amputated," 4 Apr. 2018
Unfortunately, history has sanitized and watered down Dr. King’s message of non-violence.

— veronica hilbring, Essence.com, "MLK 50: America Can’t Talk About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Without Acknowledging Domestic Terrorism," 4 Apr. 2018
They were raised on King, the myth, sanitized for general consumption — some would say rendered nonthreatening to white America — and passed on through school programs and feel good television specials.

— andrea k. mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy still lives on in the work of young Baltimore activists," 4 Apr. 2018
What's more, Reynolds said, actually using the proper protocol to sanitize cloth toilet wipes — or cloth diapers, for that matter — may require enough water and energy to offset the sustainability benefits versus toilet paper.

— josh hafner, USA TODAY, "Reusable toilet paper: Why one germ expert draws the line on bathroom cloths," 15 Mar. 2018
Clean up thoroughly When all the work is done, and before taking down any plastic that isolates the work area from the rest of the home, the area should be sanitized using special cleaning methods.

— larry abbott, Houston Chronicle, "GHBA Remodelers Council: Update home safely with a lead-safe certified remodeler," 15 Mar. 2018
Though most popularly used in acne treatments, it can also be used to sanitize minor cuts.

— newsweek special edition, Newsweek, "The Essence of Healing," 23 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sanitize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sanitize

Latin sanitas

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1836

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

SANITIZE Defined for English Language Learners

sanitize

verb

Definition of sanitize for English Language Learners

: to make (something) free from dirt, infection, disease, etc., by cleaning it : to make (something) sanitary
: to make (something) more pleasant and acceptable by taking things that are unpleasant or offensive out of it

Medical Dictionary

sanitize

transitive verb san·i·tize

variants: also British sanitise play \ˈsan-ə-ˌtīz\

medical Definition of sanitize

sanitized also British sanitised; sanitizing also British sanitising

: to make sanitary (as by cleaning or sterilizing)

sanitize all surfaces with a solution of bleach and water

—

sanitization

also British sanitisation play \ˌsan-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

Learn More about sanitize

See words that rhyme with sanitize Spanish Central: Translation of sanitize Nglish: Translation of sanitize for Spanish speakers

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sanitize

Definition of sanitize

sanitization

Examples of sanitize in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of sanitize

SANITIZE Defined for English Language Learners

sanitize

Definition of sanitize for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

sanitize

medical Definition of sanitize

sanitization

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sanitize

Definition of sanitize

sanitization

Examples of sanitize in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sanitize from the Web

Origin and Etymology of sanitize

SANITIZE Defined for English Language Learners

sanitize

Definition of sanitize for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

sanitize

medical Definition of sanitize

sanitization

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