deodorize

verb

de·​odor·​ize dē-ˈō-də-ˌrīz 

deodorized; deodorizing; deodorizes

transitive verb

1

: to eliminate or prevent the offensive odor of

2

: to make (something unpleasant or reprehensible) more acceptable

the movie deodorizes his scandalous career

deodorization

dē-ˌō-də-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

deodorizer noun

Synonyms

• excuse
• explain away
• extenuate
• gloss (over)
• gloze (over)
• palliate
• whitewash

Examples of deodorize in a Sentence

We had the carpet cleaned and deodorized.

the propaganda film attempts to deodorize the dictator's history of human rights abuses

Recent Examples on the Web

Wiping your fridge interiors down with a concoction of vinegar and water naturally deodorizes the appliance and helps lift the smell of anything funky wafting into the room. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024

Lemon juice can also work well for deodorizing and cutting through grime. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024

The tablets work to clean and deodorize your toilet with every flush. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 2 Nov. 2023

Steam cleaner to deodorize, sanitize, and reduce allergens. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

deodorize

verb

de·​odor·​ize dē-ˈōd-ə-ˌrīz 

deodorized; deodorizing

: to eliminate or prevent the unpleasant odor of

deodorizer noun

Medical Definition

deodorize

transitive verb

de·​odor·​ize

variants or British deodorise

dē-ˈōd-ə-ˌrīz 

deodorized or British deodorised; deodorizing or British deodorising

: to eliminate or prevent the offensive odor of

deodorization noun

or British deodorisation

-ˌōd-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

deodorizer noun

or British deodoriser