sterilize

[ ster-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ster·i·lized, ster·i·liz·ing.

1. to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.
2. to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sexual organs or inhibiting their functions.
3. to make (land) barren or unproductive.
4. Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from:

   to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press.

5. Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc.:

   You can't sterilize children against violence.

sterilize

/ ˈstɛrɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to render sterile; make infertile or barren

Derived Forms

• ˈsteriˌlizable, adjective

Other Words From

• steri·liza·ble adjective
• steri·liza·bili·ty noun
• steri·lizer noun
• pre·steri·lize verb (used with object) presterilized presterilizing
• re·steri·lize verb (used with object) resterilized resterilizing
• self-steri·lized adjective
• un·steri·lized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sterilize¹

First recorded in 1685–95; sterile + -ize

Example Sentences

An experimental program seeks to protect California almond trees from a pesky moth by using X-rays to sterilize the insects.

From Los Angeles Times

I told her to try to sterilize the water, and she responded that she does not have enough cooking gas and cannot heat water more than once a day.

From Slate

We cannot even think much about how to sterilize water before drinking it, because there is no cooking gas and no wood to light a fire.

From Slate

An experimental program seeks to protect California almond trees from a pesky moth by using X-rays to sterilize the insects.

From Los Angeles Times

The simplest way to sterilize the bugs is to use radiation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• castrate
• decontaminate
• disinfect
• neuter
• pasteurize
• sanitize
• spay