sterilizeverb [ T ]
UK usually sterilise uk/ˈster.ɪ.laɪz/us/ˈster.ə.laɪz/sterilize verb [ T ] (STOP CHILDREN)
to perform a medical operation on someone in order to make them unable to have children:
After having five children, she decided to be sterilized.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Obstetrics: contraception
- cap
- coil
- coitus interruptus
- condom
- contraception
- contraceptive
- Dutch cap
- family planning
- Femidom
- French letter
- johnny
- loop
- minipill
- morning-after pill
- rhythm method
- safe sex
- spermicidal
- spermicide
- sterilization
- unprotected
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sterilize verb [ T ] (CLEAN)
to make something completely clean and free from bacteria:
All equipment must be sterilized before use.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Medicines & drugs: preventing infection
- anti-bac
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antiseptic
- antiviral
- biosecurity
- carbolic acid
- cauterize
- irrigate
- passive immunity
- rubbing alcohol
- scrub
- scrub up
- sterility
- surgical spirit
- swab