sanitise

Everyday

1. To sanitise something is to clean it very well, killing germs, so it is safe and hygienic. tree →
2. To sanitise a story or report is to take out the unpleasant parts so it seems nicer than the truth. tree →

In the lessons

In health and hygiene lessons pupils sanitise hands with gel, and surfaces like desks and kitchen counters are sanitised to stop germs spreading. Phrases: «sanitise your hands», «hand sanitiser», «sanitise the surfaces».

Examples

• Please sanitise your hands when you come into class. tree →
• The nurse sanitised the scissors before using them. tree →
• We sanitise the kitchen counter after cutting raw chicken. tree →
• Hand sanitiser is useful when there is no soap and water. tree →
• The film sanitised the war and hid how terrible it was. tree →
• Wash hands with soap if they are dirty; sanitiser is not enough for mud. tree →

Note

UK and Australian spelling «sanitise»; US and Canadian spelling «sanitize». Past: «sanitised». Noun: «sanitiser» / «sanitizer». Hand sanitiser has alcohol: never drink it and keep it away from flames and eyes.