sterilize
/ˈstɛrəlaɪz/
verb
- To kill all germs and bacteria on something, making it completely clean.
- We need to sterilize the jars before canning the jam.
- You should sterilize the baby's pacifier by boiling it in water.
- The dentist sterilizes all instruments before using them on patients.
- To perform a medical procedure that makes a person or animal unable to have children.
- The vet recommended sterilizing the stray cats to reduce their numbers.
- Some people choose to sterilize themselves if they do not want children.
- It is illegal to sterilize someone without their consent in most countries.
Antonyms