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

Example Sentences

If possible, wash the wound with soap and water; avoid using antiseptic wipes, which may irritate the wound.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

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

But these once surefire hits have never been so limp and antiseptic.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2025

Then she held out the packet of bandages and the tube of antiseptic cream.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile