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sanitize

/ˈsænətaɪz/verb

To clean or disinfect something so that it is free of germs.

Example sentences

  • “Please sanitize your hands before entering the ward.”
  • “The gym asks members to sanitize the machines after each use.”

The figurative sense matters: a sanitized account of events has had the disturbing parts scrubbed out.

Synonyms for sanitize

  • disinfect
  • sterilize
  • clean
  • decontaminate

Antonyms

  • contaminate

Related words