Disinfect/ˌdɪsɪnˈfekt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Cleaning Context Used when referring to making places like homes and schools safe by killing germs. Every classroom needs to be disinfected at the end of the day. Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Chemicals Disinfecting can also involve using UV light or heat, not just chemical solutions. The salon disinfects their tools with UV light after each use. Pro Tip 3/3Preventative Action Disinfecting is often a preventative measure to stop bacteria and germs from spreading. To prevent flu, we should regularly disinfect shared surfaces.