1. makes clean and free from germs or bacteria by removing or destroying harmful microorganisms
2. removes or alters parts of something to make it more acceptable or less offensive

Examples

• The nurse sanitizes her hands before examining each patient.
• The restaurant sanitizes all surfaces between customers.
• He sanitizes the playground equipment every morning.
• The editor sanitizes the manuscript by removing inappropriate content.
• The company sanitizes its public statements to avoid controversy.
• She sanitizes the kitchen counters with disinfectant spray.
• The water treatment plant sanitizes drinking water with chlorine.