sterilize

verb

ster·il·ize ˈster-ə-ˌlīz

sterilized; sterilizing

Synonyms of sterilize next

transitive verb

: to make (something or someone) sterile: such as

: to free from all viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat)

sterilize surgical instruments in an autoclave

b(1)

: to deprive of the power of reproducing through surgery

sterilize cats and dogs

(2)

: to make incapable of germination

studied the effects of sterilizing wheat florets

: to cause (land) to become unfruitful

There, 1,100-degree pyroclastic flows had sterilized the land.—

Christine Colasurdo

Example Sentences

The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.

Recent Examples on the Web Before removing the tick, sterilize the tweezers with the rubbing alcohol. —

Amanda Macmillan, Health, 7 Feb. 2023 Currently, scientists sterilize robotic missions to Mars before launch, but the process is not completely fool-proof. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Oct. 2022 Boiled water can be used for cooking and to sterilize any bacteria or microorganisms in the water. —

Liam Gravvat, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2022 This included a mass drive to sterilize men compulsorily—a population control method that was so unpopular with the masses that thereafter, subsequent governments didn’t broach the topic of family planning at all. —

Time, 20 Jan. 2023 That heat becomes steam which, in addition to heating the hospital, can help sterilize surgical equipment and manage the facility’s humidity. —

Blake Nelsonstaff Reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2023 The International Sterilization Laboratory on Sampey Road in Groveland uses ethylene oxide to sterilize medical equipment. —

Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2022 Work still must be done to find the right way to sterilize the alien material. —

Sarah Scoles, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Work still must be done to find the right way to sterilize the alien material. —

Sarah Scoles, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2022 See More

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