Cauterize

usgb/ˈkɔːtəraɪz/
verb

To burn a part of a body to stop bleeding or to prevent infection.

The surgeon had to cauterize the wound to stop the bleeding.
Visual representation of "cauterize" - To burn a part of a body to stop bleeding or to prevent infection.

Often appears as...

  • cauterize a wound
  • cauterize the bleeding

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "cauterize"
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Medical Urgency

Used in medical situations where immediate action is needed to stop bleeding.

Illustration for Medical Urgency
After the accident, doctors had to cauterize his leg to prevent further blood loss.
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Pre-infection Measure

It highlights the preventative action to avoid infection following an injury.

Illustration for Pre-infection Measure
To ensure the patient's safety, the open tissue was cauterized.
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Not Always Literal

Sometimes, it's used figuratively to describe a harsh, damaging response to a problem.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
The government's strategy was to cauterize the corruption outbreak harshly.
Visual representation of the word "Cauterize"

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