deodorant

[ dee-oh-der-uhnt ]

noun

1. an agent for destroying odors.
2. a substance, often combined with an antiperspirant, for inhibiting or masking perspiration or other bodily odors.

adjective

1. capable of destroying odors:

   a deodorant cream.

deodorant

/ diːˈəʊdərənt /

noun

1. 1. a substance applied to the body to suppress or mask the odour of perspiration or other body odours
   2. ( as modifier ) Compare antiperspirant

      a deodorant spray

2. any substance for destroying or masking odours, such as liquid sprayed into the air

Other Words From

• nonde·odor·ant noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deodorant¹

First recorded in 1865–70; de- + odor + -ant

Example Sentences

While it’s true that those acts are minor, allowing them to occur en masse and without penalty touches the fairness nerve: “How is it fair that I pay my subway fare and I purchase my own deodorant when scores of others do not, and are not seeing any punishment?”

From Slate

A gang of about 15 youths, according to his mum, arrived and punched him to the ground, stamped on him, stabbed him in the back of his head, and attempted to set him alight using a lighter and a deodorant spray.

From BBC

“But you haven’t showered in a week and a half and you’re putting deodorant on, and all these sprays, trying to make yourself look like you don’t live in your car.”

From Los Angeles Times

I’m not judging—I went through an ill-fated “natural” deodorant phase myself.

From Slate

I’m not judging—I went through an ill-fated “natural” deodorant phase myself.

From Slate

Related Words

• cleanser
• cosmetic
• disinfectant