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Definition of sanitize

sanitize

/ˈsæn.ɪ.taɪz/
(UK: sanitise)
san · i · tize
Adverb:sanitarily
•
Adjective:sanitary
•
Past Simple:sanitized
•
Past Participle:sanitized
•
Present Participle:sanitizing
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sanitize Lexical Profile

sanitize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make something clean and hygienic, especially by destroying or removing pathogenic microorganisms and bacteria.

Example

"Hospital staff carefully sanitize all medical instruments and surfaces between patient appointments."

2

To alter or remove offensive, sensitive, or controversial elements from a text, report, or historical account to make it more acceptable.

Example

"Critics argued that the textbook publisher had attempted to sanitize the complex political history of the era."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

sanitary
sanitation
sanitization
sanitize
sanitizer
sanity
sankarani

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century, the word derives from the Latin 'sanitas' (meaning 'health'), from 'sanus' ('healthy, sound'), combined with the verb-forming suffix '-ize'.

Cite this Entry

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