Meaning
To sanitize means to clean and disinfect something so that it is free from germs, dirt, or harmful substances. It can also mean to make information, language, or content less offensive or more acceptable by removing unpleasant parts.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb
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Verb forms: sanitize – sanitized – sanitizing
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Transitive: Requires an object.
- "She sanitized the kitchen after cooking."
- "The report was sanitized before publication."
Sentence patterns
- sanitize + object → "The staff sanitized the room."
- sanitize something from/against germs → "The cloth was sanitized against bacteria."
- sanitize information/content → "They sanitized the article for public release."
Common Phrases
- sanitize hands
- sanitize equipment
- sanitize surfaces
- sanitize a report/document
Collocations
- sanitize thoroughly
- sanitize regularly
- sanitize completely
- sanitize the environment
- sanitize sensitive data
Examples
- Please sanitize your hands before entering the room.
- The hospital staff sanitized the equipment after every use.
- The government sanitized the report before making it public.
- He sanitized his phone screen to remove germs.
- The company sanitized the document by removing sensitive details.
- Teachers reminded students to sanitize their desks daily.
- The editor sanitized the article to make it less controversial.
- She sanitized the kitchen to prevent food contamination.
Synonyms or Related
- disinfect
- clean
- purify
- sterilize
- cleanse
- expurgate (for information)
Antonym
- contaminate
- pollute
- dirty
- infect