<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.</li><li>to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sexual organs or inhibiting their functions.</li><li>to make (land) barren or unproductive.</li><li>Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from: to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press.</li><li>Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc.: You can't sterilize children against violence.</li></ul>