antiseptic

American  

[an-tuh-sep-tik] / ˌæn təˈsɛp tɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to or affecting antisepsis.

2. free from or cleaned of germs and other microorganisms.

3. exceptionally clean or neat.

4. free of contamination or pollution.

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noun

1. an antiseptic agent.

antiseptic British  

/ ˌæntɪˈsɛptɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or effecting antisepsis

2. entirely free from contamination

3. informal lacking spirit or excitement; clinical

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noun

1. an antiseptic agent or substance

antiseptic Scientific  

/ ăn′tĭ-sĕp′tĭk /

1. A substance that inhibits the proliferation of infectious microorganisms.

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Other Word Forms

• antiseptically adverb

Etymology

Origin of antiseptic

First recorded in 1745–55; anti- + septic

Explanation

If you are out to kill some microorganisms, an antiseptic will come in handy! If you go to a hospital for a cut on your arm, the nurse will apply an antiseptic to the wound because it will kill any bacteria, while not harming your healthy skin. Antiseptic is also an adjective that describes the state of being clean and without disease-causing bacteria: "The antiseptic wash the nurse splashed over your arm was bright blue and smelled funny, but it kept your wound free of infection." Antiseptic can also describe something that is clean in a different way — as in, free of any objectionable language. A comedian's jokes could be so antiseptic that even your grandmother would like them.

Example Sentences

Mark Joseph Stern: It sounds antiseptic, but it’s absolutely atrocious.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

When they visit St. Cloud’s and meet Dr. Larch, they are disconcerted by “an antiseptic smell, or something medicinal” in his office.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

While bemoaning the antiseptic, “look, don’t touch” aesthetic of modern cinema, Benedict did find time to tie it to the way we live, saying that the inhumanity of modern homes has crept into our bodies.

From Salon • Aug. 23, 2025

Kulumbegashvili’s realist style — the writer-director filmed actual births — emphasizes antiseptic hospital hallways and the cold procedural quality of Nina’s work.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2025

I wipe the side of my neck with the antiseptic, but when he reaches out with the needle, I pull back.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile