sterilize

Universal Words (BrE also sterilise) verb [VN] 1 [oftenpassive] to kill the bacteria in sth: to sterilize surgical instruments * sterilized milk / water 2 [usuallypassive] to make a person or an animal unable to have babies, especially by removing or blocking their sex organs sterilization, sterilisation noun [U,C] sterilizing, sterilising adjective [onlybeforenoun]: sterilizing fluid / tablets