cauterize

[ˈkɔːtəraɪz]

cauterize Definition

  • 1to burn the skin or flesh of a wound with a heated instrument to stop bleeding or prevent infection
  • 2to make something such as an idea or feeling less strong or powerful

Using cauterize: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cauterize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding.

  • Example

    The experience of war had cauterized his emotions.

  • Example

    The harsh criticism cauterized her enthusiasm for the project.

cauterize Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cauterize

Phrases with cauterize

  • to burn the skin or flesh of a wound with a heated instrument to stop bleeding or prevent infection

    Example

    The nurse will cauterize the wound to prevent further bleeding.

  • to make someone's emotions less strong or powerful, often due to traumatic experiences

    Example

    The trauma of losing his family in the accident had cauterized his emotions.

  • to solve a problem by taking drastic measures, often involving cutting off its source

    Example

    The company decided to cauterize the problem by firing the entire management team.

Origins of cauterize

from Greek 'kautērion', meaning 'branding iron'

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Summary: cauterize in Brief

The verb 'cauterize' [ˈkɔːtəraɪz] has two meanings: to burn the skin or flesh of a wound with a heated instrument to stop bleeding or prevent infection, and to make something such as an idea or feeling less strong or powerful. It is often used in medical contexts, such as 'The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding,' but can also be applied to emotional or intellectual contexts, as in 'The experience of war had cauterized his emotions.'