disinfect

[ dis-in-fekt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cleanse (rooms, wounds, clothing, etc.) of infection; destroy disease germs in.

disinfect

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛkt /

verb

1. tr to rid of microorganisms potentially harmful to man, esp by chemical means

Derived Forms

• ˌdisinˈfection, noun
• ˌdisinˈfector, noun

Other Words From

• dis·in·fec·tion noun
• dis·in·fec·tive adjective
• dis·in·fec·tor noun
• re·dis·in·fect verb (used with object)
• un·dis·in·fect·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disinfect¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Middle French desinfecter, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + infecter “to die, taint, poison”; infect

Example Sentences

Social media users voiced concern and disgust that she didn’t tell the airline what had happened so they could disinfect the seat for the next occupant.

From Los Angeles Times

They included several types of phthalates, chemicals used to make plastics flexible; chloroform, a toxic byproduct from disinfecting water with chlorine; and toluene, a hazardous substance found in vehicle exhaust.

From Los Angeles Times

Bowls, toys, refrigerators, countertops and other pet products that came into contact with the food should also be thoroughly disinfected.

From Salon

“I've embraced a few straightforward yet effective habits, like disinfecting surfaces and maintaining distance in crowded areas.”

From Salon

The company is currently working to disinfect the plant and retrain its employees.

From Salon

Related Words

• cleanse
• decontaminate
• sanitize
• sterilize

More About Disinfect

What does disinfect mean?

Disinfect means to clean something of infection by killing or preventing the growth of disease-causing germs, as in You want to disinfect your countertop after having raw meat on it to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli.

Disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses (often referred to as germs) can live on surfaces or enter into open wounds. When you disinfect something, you are either directly killing the germs or making it harder for the germs to spread or survive.

The noun disinfection refers to the act of disinfecting, as in The contaminated clothing was marked for disinfection. 

A chemical that is used to disinfect something is referred to as a disinfectant. Bleach is commonly used as a disinfectant in households.

Example: The janitor disinfected the table using a cleaning chemical designed to kill germs.

Where does disinfect come from?

The first records of the word disinfect come from around 1590. It comes from the Middle French desinfecter, made from the negative prefix des- and the verb infecter, meaning “to die, taint, or poison.” To disinfect is to prevent germs from doing this.

Viruses and bacteria, which can cause diseases, are often able to survive outside the body on skin or surfaces. These organisms can then spread as people touch the contaminated surfaces, allowing the organisms to infect their bodies. Similarly, open wounds are not protected by the skin, so organisms are free to enter the body.

To counteract this, we clean surfaces and wounds with chemicals that kill or repel these harmful microorganisms. We typically use hand soaps for skin and cleaning supplies for other surfaces. Regularly cleaning your home—and yourself!— is an important part of staying healthy.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to disinfect?

• disinfection (noun)
• disinfectant (noun)
• disinfective (adjective)
• redisinfect (verb)

What are some synonyms for disinfect?

• sterilize
• sanitize
• cleanse
• decontaminate

What are some words that share a root or word element with disinfect? 

• infect
• disinfection
• disinfectant

What are some words that often get used in discussing disinfect?

• bacteria
• virus
• fungus
• chemicals
• cleaning

How is disinfect used in real life?

Disinfect is a word people often use when discussing cleaning or cleanliness. You’re especially likely to hear disinfect during flu season or when a contagious disease is spreading.

I don't know who needs to hear this but
disinfect your phone

should be a good habit even without a pandemic tbh

— Eefje Depoortere (@sjokz) October 13, 2020

❶ Deep clean and disinfect everything ❷ Replace the toilet seats ❸ Change the locks or upgrade to a smart lock ❹ Forward your mail & switch utilities into your name
❺ Check all smoke detectors and CO detectors #wendypusczangroup #kwinfinity #wpg #napervillerealtor pic.twitter.com/EvMmv2I6dU

— Wendy Pusczan (@wendylpace) June 10, 2021

why don’t they have a survival class at school. like how to build a fire, how to disinfect a wound, how to purify water, etc. that would be awesome, someone please make that a thing

— anna (@annalucas777) September 25, 2020

Try using disinfect!

Is disinfect used correctly in the following sentence?

The door handle became disinfected by germs after the sick man touched it and spread them onto it.