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sterilize

verb

Meaning

  • To deprive of the ability to procreate.

  • To make unable to produce; to make unprofitable.

  • To kill, deactivate (denature), or destroy (break apart) all living, viable microorganisms and spores on a surface, in a fluid, or contained in a compound, such as culture media or a medical product.

  • To redact (a document), removing classified or sensitive material.