Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sterilized

verb

/ˈstɛr.ɪ.laɪzd/

Definition

The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

Examples

Before surgery, all instruments must be sterilized to prevent infections.
The laboratory staff sterilized the equipment to ensure accurate results.
After cleaning the house, she sterilized the kitchen surfaces with disinfectant.

Meaning

To sterilize means to cleanse something so that it is completely free of germs, bacteria, and any other form of life, especially in a medical or laboratory setting.