ˈsterəˌlīz transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: sterile + -ize
: to cause to become sterile, barren, or unproductive: as
a. : to cause (land) to become unfruitful whether by exhaustion of fertility or deliberately by use of a sterilant
b. : to deprive of the power of reproducing (as by surgical removal or inhibition of function of the reproductive organs) : make incapable of germination or fecundation
c.
(1) : to cause to become void of something desirable (as ideas, emotions, intelligence)
parental pressure that sterilizes an inquiring young mind
(2) : to make powerless, ineffective, or useless usually by restraining from a normal function, relation, or participation
capital sterilized by hoarding
specifically : to prevent (gold) from serving as a basis for a monetary expansion
d. : to free from living microorganisms usually by the use of physical or chemical agents — compare pasteurize