sterilize
verb
ster·il·ize
ˈster-ə-ˌlīz 
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make (something or someone) sterile: such as
a
: to free from all viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat)
sterilize surgical instruments in an autoclave
b(1)
: to deprive of the power of reproducing through surgery
sterilize cats and dogs
(2)
: to make incapable of germination
studied the effects of sterilizing wheat florets
c
: to cause (land) to become unfruitful
There, 1,100-degree pyroclastic flows had sterilized the land.—
Christine Colasurdo
Christine ColasurdoExamples of sterilize in a Sentence
The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.
Recent Examples on the Web
An antifungal medication may be necessary for you and the baby.
Clean and sterilize all pacifiers, bottles, toys, and breast pump parts that come in contact with your breasts or the baby's mouth.
—Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 30 July 2024
End of carousel President Vladimir Putin’s push to re-engineer his country as a militarized superpower in conflict with liberal Western values is sterilizing Russia’s once-vibrant cultural landscape, artists say.
—Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 29 July 2024
At least 25,000 people were sterilized under the law, Kishida told a meeting at his official residence of about 130 survivors, many now elderly and in wheelchairs, public broadcaster NHK reported Wednesday.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN, 17 July 2024
These pimple patches have 36 patches that are UV sterilized, made with medical-grade hydrocolloid, and can withstand a whole night of tossing, turning, and pillow-squishing.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sterilize 
Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 30 July 2024
End of carousel President Vladimir Putin’s push to re-engineer his country as a militarized superpower in conflict with liberal Western values is sterilizing Russia’s once-vibrant cultural landscape, artists say.
—Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 29 July 2024
At least 25,000 people were sterilized under the law, Kishida told a meeting at his official residence of about 130 survivors, many now elderly and in wheelchairs, public broadcaster NHK reported Wednesday.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN, 17 July 2024
These pimple patches have 36 patches that are UV sterilized, made with medical-grade hydrocolloid, and can withstand a whole night of tossing, turning, and pillow-squishing.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sterilize
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Cite this Entry
“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilize. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sterilize
verb
ster·il·ize
ˈster-ə-ˌlīz
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make sterile: as
a
: to deprive of the power of reproduction
had their cat sterilized
b
: to free of microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria)
sterilize the dental instruments
Medical Definition
sterilize
transitive verb
ster·il·ize
variants
also British sterilise
sterilized also British sterilised; sterilizing also British sterilising
: to make sterile:
a
: to deprive of the power of reproducing
b
: to free from living microorganisms (as by the use of physical or chemical agents)
sterilize a surgical instrument
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