Spanish word

desinfectar

Pronunciation

IPA/desinfekˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdisinfect

Example

Por favor, desinfecta la mesa antes de comer.

Please disinfect the table before eating.

Illustration for desinfectar (disinfect)

More examples

Siempre procuro desinfectar mis manos después de usar el transporte público.

I always try to disinfect my hands after using public transport.

Core concept

Surface being treated to remove microbes.

Common phrases

  • desinfectar las manos

    disinfect hands

  • desinfectar superficies

    disinfect surfaces

  • desinfectar con alcohol

    disinfect with alcohol

Similar words

limpiar: Removes visible dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces by wiping, brushing, or sweeping.
lavar: Washes away dirt and residues from objects or the body using water and soap or detergent.
higienizar: Cleans and treats surfaces or spaces to maintain hygiene and lower germ levels.
esterilizar: Destroys nearly all microorganisms on instruments or materials using heat or strong chemicals.

Definition in Spanish

Aplicar sustancias o procedimientos para reducir o eliminar microorganismos en objetos, superficies o heridas y así prevenir infecciones.

Word origin

From prefix des- 'removal' plus infectar from Latin infectare 'to infect', so the verb literally means 'remove infection'.

Usage tips

  • Desinfectar is used when the focus is killing or reducing microorganisms, while limpiar refers to removing dirt and grime so the two are not interchangeable in medical or hygiene contexts.

Other meanings

  • sanitizeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • desinfeccióndisinfectionnoun
  • desinfectantedisinfectantnoun
  • desinfectadodisinfectedadjective

Word lists with this word