disinfectant

American  

[dis-in-fek-tuhnt] / ˌdɪs ɪnˈfɛk tənt /

noun

1. any chemical agent used chiefly on inanimate objects to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful organisms.

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adjective

1. serving as a disinfectant.

disinfectant British  

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt /

noun

1. an agent that destroys or inhibits the activity of microorganisms that cause disease

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Etymology

Origin of disinfectant

1830–40; < French désinfectant, noun use of present participle of désinfecter, Middle French. See disinfect, -ant

Explanation

If you need to clean a nasty mess, grab some disinfectant. It's a powerful cleanser that kills bacteria. Disinfectant is a chemical that can destroy dangerous microorganisms — using it is the next best thing to sterilization. If someone in your family has had the flu, it makes sense to use a disinfectant when you clean the bathroom, just in case there are lingering germs on the doorknobs and faucets. Disinfectants are similar to antibiotics and antiseptics, except they're used on objects and surfaces rather than on (or in) our bodies.

Example Sentences

The Lysol disinfectant maker’s sales grew 5% on a like-for-like basis on year, Reckitt Benckiser said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

"We have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant."

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

At 7:00 am, relatives brought packages: deodorant, toothpaste, soap and shampoo in labeled plastic bags, plus disinfectant and bleach -- provisions essential for maintaining hygiene in the latrines of tiny cells.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

In addition, customers who have a water dispenser on their refrigerator should flush the device or five minutes; make and discard three batches of ice cubes and clean the ice bin with a disinfectant.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2025

He would get out the first aid kit and put some disinfectant on Abby’s scrapes, and on his own scratched arms and legs.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile