[ster-uh-lahyz] 
| 1. | to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid. |
| 2. | to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sex organs or inhibiting their functions. |
| 3. | to make (land) barren or unproductive. |
| 4. | Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from: to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press. |
| 5. | Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc.: You can't sterilize children against violence. |
sterilize ster·il·ize (stěr'ə-līz')
v. ster·il·ized, ster·il·iz·ing, ster·il·iz·es
To make free from live bacteria or other microorganisms.
To deprive a person or an animal of the ability to produce offspring, as by removing the reproductive organs.
əˌlaɪz