to disinfect
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to disinfect
To treat something with a special agent in order to kill or neutralize pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Vor der Operation muss der Arzt seine Hände sorgfältig desinfizieren.
Before the operation, the doctor must carefully disinfect his hands.
The prefix 'des-' often expresses removal or an opposite. 'Desinfizieren' (to disinfect) therefore means to eliminate an infection or its pathogens.
Nach dem Kochen mit rohem Fleisch solltest du die Arbeitsfläche desinfizieren.
After cooking with raw meat, you should disinfect the work surface.
'Desinfizieren' (to disinfect) is a transitive verb and almost always needs an accusative object. You always disinfect *something*.
Bitte desinfiziere die Türklinken regelmäßig.
Please disinfect the door handles regularly.
The verb is frequently used in the context of hygiene and medicine. Typical objects are: 'die Hände' (the hands), 'eine Wunde' (a wound), 'medizinische Instrumente' (medical instruments), or 'Oberflächen' (surfaces).
Der Sanitäter desinfizierte die Wunde, bevor er einen Verband anlegte.
The paramedic disinfected the wound before applying a bandage.
