sterilize
ster·il·ize
verb \ˈster-ə-ˌlīz\ster·il·izedster·il·iz·ing
Definition of STERILIZE
transitive verb
: to make sterile: as a : to cause (land) to become unfruitful b (1) : to deprive of the power of reproducing <surgically sterilize cats and dogs> (2) : to make incapable of germination c : to make powerless or useless usually by restraining from a normal function, relation, or participation d : to free from living microorganisms
— ster·il·i·za·tion \ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
— ster·il·iz·er \ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər\ noun
See Examples of STERILIZE
- The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.
First Known Use of STERILIZE
1695
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