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Definition of disinfect

disinfect

/ˌdɪs.ɪnˈfɛkt/
Adjective:disinfectant
•
Past Simple:disinfected
•
Past Participle:disinfected
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Present Participle:disinfecting
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disinfect Lexical Profile

disinfect Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To clean (something, especially an inanimate surface or a wound) with a chemical substance in order to destroy bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms.

Example

"The nursing staff must thoroughly disinfect the examination table between patients."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for disinfect
Antonyms
View all antonyms for disinfect

Word Nuance & Usage

In strict public health contexts, 'clean' removes visible dirt, 'sanitize' lowers germ counts to safe levels, 'disinfect' uses chemicals to kill nearly all pathogens on surfaces, and 'sterilize' destroys all microbial life including spores.

• Rhymes for disinfect

• Nearby Words

disinclination
disincline
disinclined
disinfect
disinfectant
disinfection
disinfector

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from French désinfecter, formed from the privative prefix dés- ('undo') and infecter ('to infect'), ultimately tracing back to Latin inficere ('to stain, taint, or spoil').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disinfect. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disinfect
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