sterilize

American  

[ster-uh-lahyz] / ˈstɛr əˌlaɪz /

especially British, sterilise

verb (used with object)

sterilized, sterilizing

1. to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.

2. to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sexual organs or inhibiting their functions.

3. to make (land) barren or unproductive.

4. Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from.

   to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press.

5. Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc..

   You can't sterilize children against violence.

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sterilize British  

/ ˈstɛrɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to render sterile; make infertile or barren

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Other Word Forms

• presterilize verb (used with object)
• resterilize verb (used with object)
• self-sterilized adjective
• sterilizability noun
• sterilizable adjective
• sterilizer noun
• unsterilized adjective

Etymology

Origin of sterilize

First recorded in 1685–95; sterile + -ize

Explanation

When you sterilize something, you make it completely clean and free from any contaminant. It's important to sterilize tools, hands, and furniture in hospitals so germs don't get spread between patients. People who make their own jam and pickles need to sterilize the jars first, and when you feed a tiny baby it's important to sterilize the bottles. Whenever you need to make sure something is as clean as possible, you should sterilize it. The earliest meaning of sterilize is still in use, too: to "make infertile," or to make it impossible for an organism to reproduce or have a baby.

Example Sentences

Hospitals use it to sterilize medical devices, and some municipalities use low levels to treat public water supplies.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025

The rule from which they are seeking relief applies to a chemical known as ethylene oxide, or EtO, which is commonly used to sterilize medical devices that can’t be cleaned using steam or radiation.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2025

San Bernardino County officials approved new deals in April with a local nonprofit to help sterilize and relocate many of the pint-size equines to sanctuaries.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

I told her to try to sterilize the water, and she responded that she does not have enough cooking gas and cannot heat water more than once a day.

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2024

“First we will clean and sterilize the wound.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• castrate
• decontaminate
• disinfect
• neuter
• pasteurize
• sanitize
• spay