Definitions

sterilize

[ster-uh-lahyz] / ˈstɛr əˌlaɪz /

VERB

make clean or unproductive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

castrate decontaminate disinfect neuter pasteurize sanitize spay

STRONG

alter antisepticize autoclave change clean desexualize emasculate fix fumigate incapacitate purify

WEAK

make sterile

Antonyms

STRONG

adulterate aid assist continue corrupt dirty help keep remain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There are other methods to sterilize male mosquitoes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

We press that mash, sterilize it by heating, bottle it and ship it out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Hospitals use it to sterilize medical devices, and some municipalities use low levels to treat public water supplies.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025

San Bernardino County officials have made new deals with a local nonprofit to help sterilize and relocate wild donkeys.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

For that reason, he urged doctors to wash their hands thoroughly and to sterilize hands and surgical instruments with carbolic acid.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Vocabulary lists containing sterilize

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