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View synonyms for

disinfect

[ dis-in-fekt ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to cleanse (rooms, wounds, clothing, etc.) of infection; destroy disease germs in.


disinfect

/ ˌɪɪˈɛ /

verb

  1. tr to rid of microorganisms potentially harmful to man, esp by chemical means
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌ徱ˈڱ𳦳پDz, noun
  • ˌ徱ˈڱ𳦳ٴǰ, noun
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Other yvlog Forms

  • 徱··ڱ·پDz noun
  • 徱··ڱ·پ adjective
  • 徱··ڱ·ٴǰ noun
  • ·徱··ڱ𳦳 verb (used with object)
  • ܲ·徱··ڱ𳦳· adjective
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of disinfect1

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Middle French desinfecter, equivalent to des- dis- 1 + infecter “to die, taint, poison”; infect
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Yoga instructor Judd likes to call attention to the area’s cowboy roots and remind participants that the site they’re on was once used to inoculate, disinfect and brand cattle.

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Haidilao has apologised to customers, saying it has replaced all hotpot equipment and dining utensils, as well as disinfecting other crockery and utensils.

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"On the surface they are still concerned. Our luggage was disinfected at the border, our temperatures were taken, and about 50% of people are still wearing masks."

From

Yoga instructor Rudd likes to call attention to the area’s cowboy roots and remind participants that the site they’re on was once used to inoculate, disinfect and brand cattle.

From

Officials recommended biosecurity measures such as disinfecting equipment and limiting visitors.

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More About Disinfect

What does disinfect mean?

Disinfect means to clean something of infection by killing or preventing the growth of disease-causing germs, as in You want to disinfect your countertop after having raw meat on it to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli.

Disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses (often referred to as germs) can live on surfaces or enter into open wounds. When you disinfect something, you are either directly killing the germs or making it harder for the germs to spread or survive.

The noun disinfection refers to the act of disinfecting, as in The contaminated clothing was marked for disinfection. 

A chemical that is used to disinfect something is referred to as a disinfectant. Bleach is commonly used as a disinfectant in households.

Example: The janitor disinfected the table using a cleaning chemical designed to kill germs.

Where does disinfect come from?

The first records of the word disinfect come from around 1590. It comes from the Middle French desinfecter, made from the negative prefix des- and the verb infecter, meaning “to die, taint, or poison.” To disinfect is to prevent germs from doing this.

Viruses and bacteria, which can cause diseases, are often able to survive outside the body on skin or surfaces. These organisms can then spread as people touch the contaminated surfaces, allowing the organisms to infect their bodies. Similarly, open wounds are not protected by the skin, so organisms are free to enter the body.

To counteract this, we clean surfaces and wounds with chemicals that kill or repel these harmful microorganisms. We typically use hand soaps for skin and cleaning supplies for other surfaces. Regularly cleaning your home—and yourself!— is an important part of staying healthy.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to disinfect?

What are some synonyms for disinfect?

What are some words that share a root or word element with disinfect?

What are some words that often get used in discussing disinfect?

How is disinfect used in real life?

Disinfect is a word people often use when discussing cleaning or cleanliness. You’re especially likely to hear disinfect during flu season or when a contagious disease is spreading.

Try using disinfect!

Is disinfect used correctly in the following sentence?

The door handle became disinfected by germs after the sick man touched it and spread them onto it.

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