inactivate

[ in-ak-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ac·ti·vat·ed, in·ac·ti·vat·ing.

1. to make inactive:

   The bomb was inactivated.

2. Immunology. to stop the activity of (certain biological substances).

inactivate

/ ɪnˈæktɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. tr to render inactive

Derived Forms

• inˌactiˈvation, noun

Other Words From

• in·acti·vation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inactivate¹

First recorded in 1905–10; inactive + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

They also note that cooking foods properly and pasteurizing dairy products inactivates the virus.

From Los Angeles Times

They also say that the nation’s milk and dairy supply is safe for consumption; pasteurization inactivates the virus.

From Los Angeles Times

Health officials say pasteurization inactivates the virus so there is no cause for concern for consumers of pasteurized milk or dairy products.

From Los Angeles Times

Contaminated milk is not permitted to be sold and pasteurization inactivates the virus, “so there is no cause for concern for consumers from” pasteurized milk or dairy items.

From Los Angeles Times

The other main form of polio vaccine is given by injection and contains inactivated polio virus.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjourn
• arrest
• bar
• cease
• defer
• discontinue
• eject
• exclude
• file
• halt
• interrupt
• postpone
• put off
• reject
• rule out
• shelve
• stay
• waive
• withhold