inactivate

[ in-ak-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ac·ti·vat·ed, in·ac·ti·vat·ing.

1. to make inactive:

   The bomb was inactivated.

2. Immunology. to stop the activity of (certain biological substances).

inactivate

/ ɪnˈæktɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. tr to render inactive

Derived Forms

• inˌactiˈvation, noun

Other Words From

• in·acti·vation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inactivate¹

First recorded in 1905–10; inactive + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

However, wood's ability to inactivate viruses has yet to be explored, which is what Varpu Marjomäki and colleagues set out to study.

From Science Daily

In addition to the mice studies, the researchers also tested to determine which temperatures and time intervals inactivate H5N1 virus in raw milk from dairy cows.

From Science Daily

Research so far has shown that virus particles end up in the milk of infected cows, but that pasteurization will inactivate the virus.

From Salon

The anti-clotting agent in their saliva uses a two-pronged process, binding to the surface of certain clotting proteins in the host's blood, and entering into the protein's core to temporarily inactivate clotting during a blood meal.

From Science Daily

“The decision to inactivate comes after concerns about clinical processes and documentation were identified,” the hospital said in a statement.

From New York Times

Related Words

• adjourn
• arrest
• bar
• cease
• defer
• discontinue
• eject
• exclude
• file
• halt
• interrupt
• postpone
• put off
• reject
• rule out
• shelve
• stay
• waive
• withhold