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sanitize

verb san·i·tize \ ˈsa-nə-ˌtīz \
|Updated on: 8 Jun 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

  1. The housekeeping staff sanitized the bathroom.

  2. They're trying to sanitize the news.

Recent Examples of sanitize from the Web

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

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

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

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