Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb sterilize

2 senses of sterilize

Sense 1
sterilize, sterilise -- (make free from bacteria)
       => disinfect -- (destroy microorganisms or pathogens by cleansing; "disinfect a wound")

Sense 2
sterilize, sterilise, desex, unsex, desexualize, desexualise, fix -- (make infertile; "in some countries, people with genetically transmissible disabilites are sterilized")
       => operate on, operate -- (perform surgery on; "The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life")