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
The sanctuary does not aim to sterilize the entire population, recognizing that the vervets’ numbers are naturally constrained and stable.
—Samantha Dee, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
Pasteurization sterilizes the milk by heating it to 161 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds.
—Judy Stone, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
The last thing the state needs is to abort its children, sterilize its youth, and shutter its churches, synagogues, and religious schools.
—The Editors, National Review, 4 Nov. 2024
Heavily pregnant women were chased down, forced to have abortions, and often sterilized.
—Barbara Demick, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sterilize 
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Samantha Dee, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
Pasteurization sterilizes the milk by heating it to 161 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds.
—Judy Stone, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
The last thing the state needs is to abort its children, sterilize its youth, and shutter its churches, synagogues, and religious schools.
—The Editors, National Review, 4 Nov. 2024
Heavily pregnant women were chased down, forced to have abortions, and often sterilized.
—Barbara Demick, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sterilize
Articles Related to sterilize
Dictionary Entries Near sterilize
Cite this Entry
“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilize. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
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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