sterilize
verb
ster·il·ize
ˈster-ə-ˌlīz 
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make (something or someone) sterile: such as
a
: to free from all viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat)
sterilize surgical instruments in an autoclave
b(1)
: to deprive of the power of reproducing through surgery
sterilize cats and dogs
(2)
: to make incapable of germination
studied the effects of sterilizing wheat florets
c
: to cause (land) to become unfruitful
There, 1,100-degree pyroclastic flows had sterilized the land.—
Christine Colasurdo
Christine ColasurdoExamples of sterilize in a Sentence
The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.
Recent Examples on the Web
What are the risks of reusing potting soil without sterilizing it?
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
This experimental medical treatment of young boys that disfigures them and sterilizes them for life.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Despite some complaints, a plan is currently in place to temporarily sterilize a portion of the animals to see if that will help control the overall population.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The pink dusting will differentiate sterilized from non-sterilized mosquitoes when they’re collected as samples.
—Ryanne Mena, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterilize
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Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
This experimental medical treatment of young boys that disfigures them and sterilizes them for life.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Despite some complaints, a plan is currently in place to temporarily sterilize a portion of the animals to see if that will help control the overall population.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The pink dusting will differentiate sterilized from non-sterilized mosquitoes when they’re collected as samples.
—Ryanne Mena, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterilize
Cite this Entry
“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilize. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sterilize
verb
ster·il·ize
ˈster-ə-ˌlīz
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make sterile: as
a
: to deprive of the power of reproduction
had their cat sterilized
b
: to free of microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria)
sterilize the dental instruments
Medical Definition
sterilize
transitive verb
ster·il·ize
variants
also British sterilise
sterilized also British sterilised; sterilizing also British sterilising
: to make sterile:
a
: to deprive of the power of reproducing
b
: to free from living microorganisms (as by the use of physical or chemical agents)
sterilize a surgical instrument
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