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Definitions

disinfection

[dis-in-fek-shuhn] / ˌdɪs ɪnˈfɛk ʃən /
NOUN
cleaning
Synonyms
STRONGEST
purification sanitation sterilization washing
STRONG
ablution antisepsis brushing catharsis deodorizing dusting prophylaxis purgation purge scouring scrubbing shampooing sweeping tidying
NOUN
cleanliness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
freshness purity sanitation
STRONG
asepsis immaculateness nattiness neatness spotlessness spruceness sterility tidiness trimness
Antonyms
WEAK
dirtiness filth griminess
NOUN
lustration
Synonyms
WEAK
ablution absolution atonement baptism bathing catharsis depuration distillation expiation expurgation forgiveness grace lavation laving purgation purge purifying rarefaction rebirth redemption refinement regeneration salvation sanctification washing
NOUN
purification
Synonyms
STRONGEST
distillation
STRONG
ablution absolution atonement baptism bathing catharsis expiation expurgation forgiveness grace lavation purgation purge rarefaction rebirth redemption refinement regeneration salvation sanctification washing
WEAK
depuration laving lustration purifying
Antonyms
STRONG
dirtying
WEAK
adulteration corruption pollution
NOUN
sanitation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cleanliness hygiene
STRONG
asepsis hygienics
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dirtiness filth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has been temporarily closed for two weeks as officials carry out disinfection work.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Here, biosecurity measures such as disinfection points at farm entrances designed to prevent the spread of the virus as well as roadblocks and restrictions on the movement of cattle, have not always worked.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

It also notes that garlic extract has been explored in areas such as denture stomatitis, dentinal tubule disinfection, and intracanal medication.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025

The result: excess exposure to toxic lead, bacteria and a disinfection byproduct in Flint’s drinking water.

From Salon • May 8, 2024

The disinfection or burning of the kennels where rabid dogs have been is a natural corollary of the above.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various