inactivate
verb
in·ac·ti·vate
(ˌ)i-ˈnak-tə-ˌvāt 
inactivated; inactivating; inactivates
: to make inactive
chemicals to inactivate viruses
Examples of inactivate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The alteration generated by the therapy doesn’t cause the exact change in the PCSK9 gene found in those born with the low-cholesterol version of the gene, but the end result is the same: the gene is inactivated, and LDL levels drop.
—
Alice Park, Time, 28 May 2026
After that point, the carrier will be inactivated and its systems shut down, allowing the removal of all hazardous materials.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026
The decision to inactivate the USS Boise is just the start of Phelan’s shakeup plans.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Regular honey is processed by filtration and heating, which removes or inactivates many of the beneficial compounds in honey, but clarifies it and prolongs its shelf life.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
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Alice Park, Time, 28 May 2026
After that point, the carrier will be inactivated and its systems shut down, allowing the removal of all hazardous materials.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026
The decision to inactivate the USS Boise is just the start of Phelan’s shakeup plans.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Regular honey is processed by filtration and heating, which removes or inactivates many of the beneficial compounds in honey, but clarifies it and prolongs its shelf life.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inactivate
Cite this Entry
“Inactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inactivate. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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Medical Definition
inactivate
transitive verb
in·ac·ti·vate
(ˈ)in-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
inactivated; inactivating
: to make inactive: as
a
: to destroy certain biological activities of
inactivate the complement of normal serum by heat
b
: to cause (as an infectious agent) to lose disease-producing capacity
inactivate bacteria
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