antisepticising
|an-ti-sep-ti-saɪ-zɪŋ|
/æn.tɪˈsɛp.tɪ.saɪz/
(antisepticise)
make free of germs
Etymology
'antisepticising' ultimately derives from the verb 'antisepticise' in Modern English, formed by attaching the verb-forming suffix '-ise' to 'antiseptic' (from 'anti-' + 'septic').
'antiseptic' was coined in the 19th century from French/Neo-Latin sources (from Greek anti- 'against' + septikos 'causing putrefaction'); the verb 'antisepticise' was formed later by adding '-ise' (from French -iser, ultimately from Latin/Greek verbalizing suffixes), and the present-participle form became 'antisepticising'.
Initially related to preventing putrefaction or sepsis ('against putrefaction'), the term evolved into its current meaning of making something free from infection by killing or preventing growth of microbes.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'antisepticise'.
Antisepticising the instruments is essential before surgery.
Verb 2
to make antiseptic; to disinfect or sterilize (a wound, instrument, surface, etc.) in order to prevent infection or decay.
The nurse was antisepticising the wound before dressing it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/09 21:32