sterilize

especially British, ster·i·lise

[ster-uh-lahyz]

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.

sterilize

/ ˈstɛrɪˌlaɪz /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sterilize¹

First recorded in 1685–95; sterile + -ize

Example Sentences

Holmes’ words were a quintessential expression of “eugenics,” a pseudoscientific notion that social problems can be alleviated by focusing on heredity, and sequestering, forcibly sterilizing or even murdering those whose genetic heritage jeopardizes civilization.

From Los Angeles Times

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

San Bernardino County officials have made new deals with a local nonprofit to help sterilize and relocate wild donkeys.

From Los Angeles Times

In the manifesto, the author denounced those who bring human life into the world and declared an end goal of “sterilizing this planet of the disease of life.”

From Los Angeles Times

It then likens Hitler to a doctor who cautions German artists to “paint according to my directives, otherwise you’ll be sterilized.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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