sterilize
Translation
to sterilize, to disinfect, to neuter
Examples
You must sterilize the baby's bottles.
You must sterilize the baby's bottles.
The vet will sterilize 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./sth.)) to make (a person or animal) unable to produce offspring. The vet will sterilize the cat.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disinfect, sanitize, neuter; Antonyms: contaminate, infect
Etymology
From Latin 'sterilis' (barren). The '-ize' suffix means 'to make'. So, 'to make barren' (of germs or life).
Memory Tips
Think of a 'sterile' environment like a hospital operating theater, completely free of germs.