WordValeantiseptic
a substance that prevents infection on living tissue
In more detail
1. (adjective) able to kill germs and prevent infection
2. (adjective) very clean and lacking warmth or personality
3. (noun) a substance that kills germs and prevents infection
Examples
- 1. The nurse cleaned the wound with antiseptic solution.
- 2. The office had an antiseptic, cold atmosphere with no decorations.
- 3. Apply an antiseptic to the cut before bandaging it.
How to use antiseptic
Antiseptic has two distinct senses: the primary medical sense refers to something that kills germs or prevents infection, while the secondary sense describes something that is so clean, orderly, or clinical that it feels cold and impersonal. This figurative use is common in describing spaces, writing styles, or relationships that lack warmth or humanity.
Common phrases
- antiseptic wipe
- antiseptic cream
- antiseptic solution
- antiseptic smell
- clinically antiseptic
- emotionally antiseptic
Synonyms
disinfectant · germicidal · sterile · aseptic · sanitizing
Opposites
septic · contaminated · infected
Word family
antiseptically (adverb) · antisepsis (noun)
A common mistake
Learners often confuse antiseptic with antibiotic; antiseptic prevents infection by killing germs on surfaces or skin, while antibiotic is a medication that kills bacteria inside the body.
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