sanitize

[ san-i-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, san·i·tized, san·i·tiz·ing.

1. to free from dirt, germs, etc., as by cleaning or sterilizing.
2. to make less offensive by eliminating anything unwholesome, objectionable, incriminating, etc.:

   to sanitize a document before releasing it to the press.

sanitize

/ ˈsænɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to make sanitary or hygienic, as by sterilizing
2. to omit unpleasant details from (a news report, document, etc) to make it more palatable to the recipients

Derived Forms

• ˌsanitiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• sani·ti·zation noun
• un·sani·tized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanitize¹

First recorded in 1830–40; sanit(ary) + -ize

Example Sentences

Bertha Servin, 58, works at Mission Linen Supply in Chino, an industrial laundry where workers sanitize and iron linens, uniforms and bedding for nearby hospitals.

From Los Angeles Times

In speaking with The Guardian, a representative from the Fairmont said “a group of individuals caused a disruption at a DNC-related breakfast event at our hotel this morning” and that hotel staff “acted immediately to clean and sanitize the area, ensuring that the event could continue without further incident.”

From Salon

In his memoir, Calley portrayed himself as an easy target for officials trying to sanitize the unpopular war.

From Los Angeles Times

Vladeck: Two other things tend to be true when the court rushes: They tend to be more honest, because there’s less time to sanitize what they’re doing.

From Slate

He has denounced the campus protests as lawless chaos even as he depicts the Jan. 6 rioters as heroes — and appears to be trying to play one episode off the other as he seeks to sanitize his own record as president.

From New York Times

Related Words

• decontaminate
• disinfect