View synonyms for sterilize

sterilize

[ ster-uh-lahyz ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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 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

/ ˈstɛrɪˌlaɪz /

steri·liza·ble adjective
steri·liza·bili·ty noun
steri·lizer noun
pre·steri·lize verb (used with object) presterilized presterilizing
re·steri·lize verb (used with object) resterilized resterilizing
self-steri·lized adjective
un·steri·lized adjective

First recorded in 1685–95; sterile + -ize

The effort to sterilize his image first began when Epstein hired Los Angeles-based spin doctors Sitrick Co.

The pro-Palestinian group held up one ugly poster: Israelis Sterilize Blacks.

Having the jars, covers, and rings in perfect condition, the next thing is to wash and sterilize them.

If bottles are employed, be very careful to sterilize both bottles and corks.

In canning sauce fill the jars with the hot sauce and sterilize 12 minutes in hot-water bath.

If soft ripe, sterilize 16 minutes in hot-water bath; if flesh is very firm, 25 minutes.

Then keep up a temperature that will allow the food to boil quietly for a period long enough to cook it soft and sterilize it.

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