# sterilize

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈstɛɹɪlaɪz/ · frequency rank #46,193

## Definitions
1. To deprive of the ability to procreate.
2. To make unable to produce; to make unprofitable.
3. To kill, deactivate (denature), or destroy (break apart) all living, viable microorganisms and spores on a surface, in a fluid, or contained in a compound, such as culture media or a medical product.
4. To render a planet like Earth permanently uninhabitable to all life, including even microbes, causing their complete extinction.
5. To redact (a document), removing classified or sensitive material.

## Etymology
From sterile + -ize.

## Easily confused with
- **sterile** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/sterile-vs-sterilize)
- **stabilize** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/stabilize-vs-sterilize)

## Common misspellings (13)
`setrilize`, `ssterilize`, `steirlize`, `steriilze`, `steriliez`, `sterilizze`, `sterillize`, `sterilzie`, `sterliize`, `sterrilize`, `streilize`, `stterilize`, `tserilize`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/sterilize