'asepticize' originates from Greek/Modern English formation, ultimately from Greek 'aseptikos' (ἀσεπτικός), where the prefix 'a-' meant 'not' and the root related to 'sepsis' (putrefaction); the verb was formed in English by adding the suffix '-ize' to 'aseptic'.

'aseptic' entered English via French 'aseptique' from Greek 'aseptikos'; later, English formed the verb 'asepticize' (19th century usage) by adding '-ize' to the adjective 'aseptic', producing the modern verb 'asepticize' and its derivatives like 'asepticizing'.

Initially it described the state 'not putrefying' or 'preventing sepsis'; over time the verb form evolved to mean 'to make free from microbial contamination' or 'to render sterile'.