FazerPete
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I notice lots of people arguing over the benefits of sterilising over sanitising on this forum and I have to admit that it I'm a bit confused. If you look in the dictionary, they are exactly the same! Can someone try and explain what they think the difference is?
sterilize
verb (used with object), -lized, -lizing. 1.to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid. 2.to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sex organs or inhibiting their functions. 3.to make (land) barren or unproductive. 4.Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from: to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press. 5.Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc.: You can't sterilize children against violence. Also, especially British, sterilise.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source
sanitize verb (used with object), -tized, -tizing. 1.to free from dirt, germs, etc., as by cleaning or sterilizing. 2.to make less offensive by eliminating anything unwholesome, objectionable, incriminating, etc.: to sanitize a document before releasing it to the press. Also, especially British, sanitise.
sterilize
verb (used with object), -lized, -lizing. 1.to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid. 2.to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sex organs or inhibiting their functions. 3.to make (land) barren or unproductive. 4.Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from: to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press. 5.Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc.: You can't sterilize children against violence. Also, especially British, sterilise.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source
sanitize verb (used with object), -tized, -tizing. 1.to free from dirt, germs, etc., as by cleaning or sterilizing. 2.to make less offensive by eliminating anything unwholesome, objectionable, incriminating, etc.: to sanitize a document before releasing it to the press. Also, especially British, sanitise.