Sterilize: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when complete removal of all forms of microbial life including spores is required. Mostly used in medical, laboratory, or surgical contexts.

• The medical equipment must be sterilized before surgery
• The laboratory tools were sterilized to prevent contamination

Refers to reducing the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, often used in food service and personal hygiene contexts.

• Make sure to sanitize your hands before eating
• The restaurant sanitizes its tables thoroughly after each customer

Means to eliminate most or all pathogenic microorganisms, except spores, on non-living surfaces. Commonly used in everyday sanitation of household items and surfaces.

• Please disinfect the kitchen countertops after cooking
• The school hired a company to disinfect the classrooms

Refers to removing or neutralizing dangerous substances, including chemicals, radioactive materials, or pathogens. Often used in hazardous material management and environmental cleanup.

• The hazmat team decontaminated the area after the chemical spill
• Workers decontaminated their suits before leaving the site

Suitable for medical or technical contexts where elimination of all forms of life, particularly bacteria, is required. Also used in veterinary contexts to indicate the process that renders an animal incapable of reproducing.

• The surgical instruments must be sterilized before the operation.
• We decided to sterilize our cat to prevent unwanted kittens.

Commonly used in veterinary contexts referring to the removal of an animal's reproductive organs, applicable to both male and female animals. Neutral in tone.

• We took our cat to the vet to get neutered.
• Most shelters neuter their animals before putting them up for adoption.

Specific to the surgical removal of a female animal's reproductive organs. Used in veterinary contexts.

• Our dog was spayed last month to avoid any future litters.
• It is important to spay your pets to control the pet population.

Colloquial term often used in casual conversations about pet reproductive surgery. Can imply solving a problem or making something permanent.

• We need to fix our dog so he doesn't run off after females in heat.
• The garage finally fixed the issue with my car's engine.