sterilize

[ ster-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈstɛr əˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), ster·i·lized, ster·i·liz·ing.

to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.
to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sex organs or inhibiting their functions.
to make (land) barren or unproductive.
Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from: to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press.
Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc.: You can't sterilize children against violence.
Also especially British, ster·i·lise.

Origin of sterilize

First recorded in 1685–95; sterile + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM sterilize

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH sterilize

impotence sterility sterilized

Words nearby sterilize

sterigma, sterilant, sterile, sterile cyst, sterilization, sterilize, sterilizer, sterlet, sterling, sterling area, sterling bloc

British Dictionary definitions for pre-sterilized

sterilize

sterilise

/ (ˈstɛrɪˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to render sterile; make infertile or barren

Derived forms of sterilize

sterilizable or sterilisable, adjective

Medical definitions for pre-sterilized

sterilize
[ stĕr′ə-līz′ ]

v.

To make free from live bacteria or other microorganisms.
To deprive a person or animal of the ability to produce offspring, as by removing the reproductive organs.