Sanitizer: meaning, definitions and examples

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sanitizer

 

[ ˈsæn.ɪ.taɪ.zər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cleaning agent

A sanitizer is a substance or chemical that is used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces to prevent the spread of infections. It is commonly used in hospitals, restaurants, and homes to maintain hygiene.

Synonyms

antiseptic, cleanser, disinfectant.

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Word Description / Examples
sanitizer

Ideal for eliminating germs on hands quickly, especially when soap and water are not available, commonly used in public places like schools, offices, and hospitals.

  • Please use the hand sanitizer before entering the room
  • She carries a small bottle of hand sanitizer in her purse
disinfectant

Used to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces to maintain hygiene, especially in settings such as hospitals, kitchens, and bathrooms. Has a strong chemical nature and can have negative connotations if overused.

  • The floor was cleaned with a powerful disinfectant
  • Use disinfectant wipes on door handles to prevent the spread of germs
antiseptic

Used for cleaning wounds to prevent infection. It is usually applied to skin, wounds, or mucous membranes.

  • The nurse cleaned the cut with antiseptic
  • Apply antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection
cleanser

Mainly used for cleaning skin, often as part of a skincare routine. Can also refer to products used for cleaning surfaces.

  • She uses a facial cleanser every night
  • The kitchen cleanser removes grease effectively

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to use a sanitizer on your hands before eating.
  • The restaurant staff regularly use a sanitizer to clean the tables and chairs.
  • It's important to carry a sanitizer with you when traveling to keep your hands clean.
  • Schools often provide sanitizers for students to use after using shared equipment.
  • During the pandemic, the demand for sanitizers increased significantly.

Translations

Translations of the word "sanitizer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desinfetante

🇮🇳 सेनेटाइज़र

🇩🇪 Desinfektionsmittel

🇮🇩 pembersih

🇺🇦 дезінфікуючий засіб

🇵🇱 środek dezynfekujący

🇯🇵 消毒剤 (しょうどくざい)

🇫🇷 désinfectant

🇪🇸 desinfectante

🇹🇷 dezenfektan

🇰🇷 소독제 (소독제)

🇸🇦 معقم

🇨🇿 dezinfekční prostředek

🇸🇰 dezinfekčný prostriedok

🇨🇳 消毒剂 (xiāodú jì)

🇸🇮 razkužilo

🇮🇸 sótthreinsiefni

🇰🇿 дезинфекциялық құрал

🇬🇪 დეზინფექტორი

🇦🇿 dezinfeksiya vasitəsi

🇲🇽 desinfectante

Etymology

The word 'sanitizer' originated from the Latin word 'sanitas', meaning health or cleanliness. The concept of sanitizing surfaces to prevent the spread of disease has been practiced for centuries, but the modern use of chemical sanitizers became more widespread in the 20th century with advancements in microbiology and public health awareness.

See also: sanitization, sanitize, sanitizing.