Word
disinfection
Phoneticsdis·in·fec·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/dɪsɪnˈfɛkʃən/
UK/dˌɪsɪnfˈɛkʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. cleaning something very well to kill germs that can make you sick.
n. elimination of pathogenic microorganisms from surfaces, objects, or skin, typically by means of chemical agents, heat, or ultraviolet light.
Examples
“Regular disinfection keeps the kitchen safe from germs.”
“The school orders daily disinfection of desks and door handles during flu season.”
“Despite rigorous disinfection protocols, the hospital traced the outbreak to a sterilization lapse in the surgical wing.”
Examples
simple
“Regular disinfection keeps the kitchen safe from germs.”
contextual
“The school orders daily disinfection of desks and door handles during flu season.”
complex
“Despite rigorous disinfection protocols, the hospital traced the outbreak to a sterilization lapse in the surgical wing.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disinfection” in context.
Verb
01. disinfection occurs
“Disinfection occurs when the solution is left on the surface for five minutes.”
noun + verb
02. perform disinfection
“Staff are trained to perform disinfection according to strict safety protocols.”
verb + noun
03. require disinfection
“Water from the well may require disinfection to make it safe for drinking.”
verb + noun
04. undergo disinfection
“All medical equipment must undergo disinfection before it can be reused.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. chemical disinfection
“Chemical disinfection is the most common method for treating public swimming pools.”
adj + noun
06. routine disinfection
“Routine disinfection of high-touch surfaces helps prevent the spread of viruses.”
adj + noun
07. thorough disinfection
“The operating room requires thorough disinfection between every surgical procedure.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. by-product of disinfection
“Scientists are studying the health effects of a specific by-product of disinfection.”
noun + prep + noun
09. method of disinfection
“Boiling is a simple but effective method of disinfection for contaminated water.”
noun + prep + noun
10. effective against bacteria
“This specific disinfection process is highly effective against bacteria and spores.”
11. ensure complete disinfection
“The protocol was updated to ensure complete disinfection of the laboratory.”
Usage
Often appears in the pattern 'disinfection of' plus a noun phrase naming the surface or area treated.
Real-World Examples
“On May 17, a Shanghai CDC official cautioned against over-disinfection in a press conference, likely a response to the reports of disinfection campaigns gone awry.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/disinfection