decontaminate
/diːk(ə)nˈtamɪneɪt
/verb [with object]
Neutralize or remove dangerous substances, radioactivity, or germs from (an area, object, or person): they tried to decontaminate nearby villages...
- The emergency services sealed off the area and decontaminated the affected staff.
- The box and the depot area were decontaminated and the powder removed for testing.
- Staff at Broomfield Hospital's accident and emergency department are being given special training on how to decontaminate victims of any biological, chemical, radioactive or nuclear incident.
Synonyms
sanitize, sterilize, disinfect, clean, cleanse, purify;
fumigate
rare depurate
