cauterize

/ˌkɔdəˈraɪz/

/ˈkɔtəraɪz/

Other forms: cauterized; cauterizing; cauterizes

To cauterize is to seal off a wound or incision by burning it or freezing it, usually with a hot iron, electricity, or chemicals. Metaphorically, cauterize means to make less sensitive to feelings and emotions.

Cauterize is usually a medical term. In surgery, using an electrical tool to cauterize the incision seals off blood vessels, resulting in a cleaner operation that heals more easily. Extreme cold, electricity, and chemicals are also used outside the body cauterize, or "burn off," warts and vessels that cause nosebleeds.

Definitions of cauterize

1. verb

   burn, sear, or freeze (tissue) using a hot iron or electric current or a caustic agent
   “The surgeon cauterized the wart”

   synonyms: burn, cauterise

   type of:

   care for, treat

   provide treatment for
2. verb

   make insensitive or callous; deaden feelings or morals
   synonyms: callous, cauterise

   type of:

   harden, indurate, inure

   cause to accept or become hardened to; habituate