sterilize

verb

ster·​il·​ize ˈster-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sterilize (audio)
sterilized; sterilizing

transitive verb

: to make (something or someone) sterile: such as
a
: 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
c
: to cause (land) to become unfruitful
There, 1,100-degree pyroclastic flows had sterilized the land.Christine Colasurdo

Examples of sterilize in a Sentence

The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.
Recent Examples on the Web Some products require boiling or a run through the dishwasher, while others should not be cleaned with sterilizing methods like dishwashers or microwave bags. Sarah Bradley, Parents, 30 Sep. 2024 Ensure your set is sterilized with this Cleaner Kit, which is a comprehensive cleaning solution for your earbuds. Margaret Drake, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2024 The Eugenic Protection Law, in place from 1948 to 1996, allowed authorities to forcibly sterilize people with disabilities, including those with mental disorders, hereditary diseases or physical deformities and leprosy. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 17 July 2024 Saeed Rayyan, a Gaza resident, sells chlorine to sterilize tents and clothes. Abeer Salman, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sterilize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sterilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterilize was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near sterilize

Cite this Entry

“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilize. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sterilize

verb
ster·​il·​ize ˈster-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sterilize (audio)
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make sterile: as
a
: to deprive of the power of reproduction
had their cat sterilized
b
: to free of microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria)
sterilize the dental instruments
sterilization noun

Medical Definition

sterilize

transitive verb
ster·​il·​ize
variants also British sterilise
sterilized also British sterilised; sterilizing also British sterilising
: to make sterile:
a
: to deprive of the power of reproducing
b
: to free from living microorganisms (as by the use of physical or chemical agents)
sterilize a surgical instrument
sterilization noun
also British sterilisation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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