Disinfect: meaning, definitions and examples
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disinfect
[ dΙͺsΙͺnΛfΙkt ]
cleaning
To cleanse of germs or impurities by chemical or physical means.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disinfect |
Disinfect is appropriate when you need to kill harmful germs, bacteria, or viruses, usually on surfaces.
|
| cleanse |
Cleanse is often used when removing dirt or impurities, and it can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It is less about killing germs and more about general cleaning or purification.
|
| sanitize |
Sanitize means to clean something to make it free from bacteria or other contaminants. Itβs a less intense process than sterilizing and often used in everyday settings.
|
| sterilize |
Sterilize is used when you need to make something completely free from all microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. This term is often used in medical or laboratory settings.
|
Examples of usage
- Make sure to disinfect all surfaces in the kitchen to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- After someone in the house gets sick, it's important to disinfect commonly touched objects.
- The hospital staff disinfects the equipment after each use to maintain a sterile environment.
Etymology
The word 'disinfect' originated from the Latin word 'disinfectare', which means 'to clean thoroughly'. The concept of disinfection has been around for centuries, with ancient civilizations using various methods such as boiling water or using natural substances like vinegar to disinfect. In modern times, the development of chemical disinfectants has greatly improved the effectiveness of disinfection processes, leading to better hygiene and disease control.
See also: disinfectant, disinfection, disinfector, infect, infected, infection, infections, infectious.