deodorize

verb

de·​odor·​ize dē-ˈō-də-ˌrīz How to pronounce deodorize (audio)
deodorized; deodorizing; deodorizes

transitive verb

1
: to eliminate or prevent the offensive odor of
2
: to make (something unpleasant or reprehensible) more acceptable
the movie deodorizes his scandalous career
deodorization noun
deodorizer noun

Examples of deodorize in a Sentence

We had the carpet cleaned and deodorized. the propaganda film attempts to deodorize the dictator's history of human rights abuses
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here are the best ways to use lemon as a cleaning and deodorizing agent for your home. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025 Gel: This is applied inside the bowl itself and helps to deodorize and clean the bowl with every flush. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025 The lavender-scented repairing heel balm taps vegan squalane, organic virgin olive oil and macadamia and jojoba oils to deodorize and repair. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 There are multiple buttons and settings to change out your trash bag, change out the litter, deodorize the litter box, level the litter and more. Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deodorize

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deodorize was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deodorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deodorize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

deodorize

verb
de·​odor·​ize dē-ˈōd-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce deodorize (audio)
deodorized; deodorizing
: to eliminate or prevent the unpleasant odor of
deodorizer noun

Medical Definition

deodorize

transitive verb
de·​odor·​ize
variants or British deodorise
deodorized or British deodorised; deodorizing or British deodorising
: to eliminate or prevent the offensive odor of
deodorization noun
or British deodorisation
deodorizer noun
or British deodoriser

More from Merriam-Webster on deodorize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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