variants
also British sanitise
sanitizes; sanitized; sanitizing
1
: to make (something) free from dirt, infection, disease, etc., by cleaning it : to make (something) sanitary
The housekeeping staff sanitized the bathroom.
2
often disapproving
: to make (something) more pleasant and acceptable by taking things that are unpleasant or offensive out of it
They're trying to sanitize the news.
Cite this Entry
“Sanitize.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sanitize. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
