disinfection
noun
dis·in·fec·tion
ˌdis-in-ˈfek-shən 
plural disinfections
: the act of disinfecting something
especially
: the process of using a disinfectant to destroy, inactivate, or significantly reduce the concentration of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi)
Both viruses are susceptible to disinfection by a weak solution of chlorine bleach. —
Margaret Reister
… a virulent strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreads beyond hospital walls, some communities are taking extreme measures such as closing schools for disinfection. —Laura Landro
Examples of disinfection in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In response, the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Emergency Management Team was deployed to the site on Tuesday to begin depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfection procedures.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
In response to the norovirus outbreak, Holland America Cruise Line and the crew on board the ship increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to the outbreak prevention and response plan, the CDC reported.
—Cbs News Miami
updated January 13, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
Many franchises also installed disinfection and ventilation technology in their facilities during the pandemic that could remain useful today.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Its disinfecting powers are unparalleled, especially for deep-cleaning tasks that require strong disinfection.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Disinfection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinfection. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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