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sterilize
[ster-uh-lahyz]
verb (used with object)
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 sexual 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.
sterilize
/ ˈɛɪˌɪ /
verb
(tr) to render sterile; make infertile or barren
Other Word Forms
- sterilizable adjective
- sterilizability noun
- sterilizer noun
- presterilize verb (used with object)
- resterilize verb (used with object)
- self-sterilized adjective
- unsterilized adjective
- ˈٱˌ adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of sterilize1
Example Sentences
In the manifesto, the author denounced those who bring human life into the world and declared an end goal of “sterilizing this planet of the disease of life.”
It then likens Hitler to a doctor who cautions German artists to “paint according to my directives, otherwise you’ll be sterilized.”
Releasing sterilized male insects to combat pests is a proven scientific technique that’s been around since the 1950s, but using it to control invasive mosquitoes is relatively new.
To address the overpopulation problem, county officials have approved new deals with a local nonprofit to help sterilize and relocate many of the pint-size equines to sanctuaries.
Since 2020, we learned new things about sterilizing immunity, immune memory, and other details of viral infections at a stunning level of detail.
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