antiseptic

adjective

Able to stop harmful germs from causing infection.

Example sentences

“Clean the cut with an antiseptic wipe before bandaging it.”
“The nurse dabbed some antiseptic cream on the scrape on my knee.”

The figurative sense is a quiet insult: antiseptic prose or an antiseptic room is clean but lifeless.

Synonyms for antiseptic

germicidal
antibacterial
sterilizing

Antonyms

septic

Often confused with antiseptic

antiseptic vs antibiotic: antibiotic (noun): A substance that kills bacteria or stops similar microorganisms from growing.

Related words

sanitizeTo clean or disinfect something so that it is free of germs.vaccineA substance, usually given as an injection, that helps the body build protection against a particular disease.hygieneHabits and conditions that keep people clean and protect their health.pillA small rounded piece of medicine made to be swallowed easily.sanitaryClean and free from germs; relating to good hygiene.capsuleA tiny case that holds a single dose of medicine.