Definition

To burn or sear a part of the body using a heated instrument to stop bleeding or prevent infection.

Example

The doctor had to cauterize the wound to stop the bleeding.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard they had to cauterize the wound after the accident.

That sounds really painful! I hope he’s okay.

Yeah, it’s a serious procedure, but it can prevent infection.

Absolutely, sometimes you have to take drastic measures to heal.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cauterize → It is formed from "cauterium" (from Greek "kautērion", meaning a branding iron or hot instrument) and the suffix "-ize" (meaning to make or to cause to be). The word "cauterize" means to make something burn or sear, typically for medical purposes.

Memory Tip

Think of a hot instrument ('kautērion') used to 'make' ('-ize') a wound burn or sear, which is why cauterize means to burn tissue.

Visually Confused Words