sterilize
Definitions
To make something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
To render an animal or person unable to produce offspring, typically by surgical means.
To make something barren, unproductive, or devoid of interest.
Examples
The surgeon must sterilize all instruments before beginning the operation.
You should sterilize the baby bottles in boiling water to ensure they are free of bacteria.
The laboratory technician used an autoclave to sterilize the glass equipment.
Synonyms
disinfect sanitize purify decontaminate cleanse pasteurize fumigate