sterilize meaning

UK US /ˈstɛrəlaɪz/ 3 syllables

sterilize (verb): make free from bacteria.

sterilize has 2 meanings in this dictionary.

sterilize as a verb

  1. make free from bacteria

    Synonyms: sterilise

    Type of: disinfect

    Kinds: autoclave

    Related forms: sterilization, sterilizer

  2. make infertile
    • in some countries, people with genetically transmissible disabilites are sterilized

    Synonyms: sterilise, desex, unsex, desexualize, desexualise, fix

    Type of: operate on

    Kinds: alter, emasculate, vasectomize

    Related forms: sterilization

sterilize in a sentence

How to pronounce sterilize

sterilize is pronounced /ˈstɛrəlaɪz/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

Words that rhyme with sterilize

Scrabble score: 18 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with ST · words ending in ZE · 9-letter words

More about sterilize on Wikipedia.