sterilise
Translation
to sterilize, to disinfect, to neuter
Examples
You must sterilise the baby's bottles.
You must sterilize the baby's bottles.
The vet will sterilise the cat.
The vet will sterilize the cat.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make (sth.) free from bacteria You must sterilize the baby's bottles.
((sb./animal)) to make (sb./animal) unable to have children The vet will sterilize the cat.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disinfect, sanitize, neuter; Antonyms: contaminate, infect
Etymology
From Latin 'sterilis' meaning barren, unproductive. The '-ize' suffix makes it a verb.
Memory Tips
Think of making something 'sterile' – completely clean and free from life (like germs or the ability to create life).