cauterize

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb burn, sear, or freeze (tissue) using a hot iron or electric current or a caustic agent
  2. verb make insensitive or callous; deaden feelings or morals

Etymology

From Middle French cauteriser, from Late Latin cauterizō (“to burn with a hot iron”), from Ancient Greek καυτηριάζω (kautēriázō, “to brand”), from καυτήρ (kautḗr, “branding iron”), from καίω (kaíō, “to burn”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

cauterise, burn

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