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
Once that substrate is mixed with water, it gets put into plastic bags, then each bag gets sterilized.
—Bon Appétit, 9 Oct. 2024
Use a sharp knife or pruners that have been sterilized with alcohol.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024
The acid of the lemons will sterilize the grill and cut the grease off.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2024
Too many neurodivergent individuals have been bullied, sterilized, and even killed.
—Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sterilize 
Bon Appétit, 9 Oct. 2024
Use a sharp knife or pruners that have been sterilized with alcohol.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024
The acid of the lemons will sterilize the grill and cut the grease off.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2024
Too many neurodivergent individuals have been bullied, sterilized, and even killed.
—Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sterilize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sterilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilize. Accessed 5 Nov. 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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