as in to reduce
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
time had cauterized his bitterness, and he was willing to let bygones be bygones
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Recent Examples of cauterize
All of his attempts to cut away his past, to cauterize himself and separate himself from it, would fail.
—
Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Nov. 2024
During this procedure, a surgeon makes a slit in the cyst and cauterize (burns the area to prevent bleeding) the edges of the incision, allowing the cyst to drain continuously.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024
As Hercules cut off the Hydra’s heads, Iolaus cauterized the stumps with a burning torch to prevent new growth, allowing the pair to defeat the monster.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024
With the outreach to contributors drawing skepticism and even outrage, the White House tried to cauterize the wound with an announcement yesterday that the 81-year-old president will sit down for an extended interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos on July 5.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for cauterize
Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Nov. 2024
During this procedure, a surgeon makes a slit in the cyst and cauterize (burns the area to prevent bleeding) the edges of the incision, allowing the cyst to drain continuously.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024
As Hercules cut off the Hydra’s heads, Iolaus cauterized the stumps with a burning torch to prevent new growth, allowing the pair to defeat the monster.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024
With the outreach to contributors drawing skepticism and even outrage, the White House tried to cauterize the wound with an announcement yesterday that the 81-year-old president will sit down for an extended interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos on July 5.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for cauterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cauterize
Verb
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Their original sentences, which were 12 years and seven years, respectively, were reduced in September 2023.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
28 May 2025
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With Bayern aiming to reduce their wage bill, the Wirtz signing would have come at the cost of at least an extra €20million (£16.8m, $22.7m) per year, on top of a transfer fee somewhere between €100m and €150m.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
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The outage comes after the FAA insisted new upgrades to the facility, which moved from Long Island to Philadelphia last July, would blunt new outages.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN Money,
19 May 2025
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On Friday, however, defeat blunted their Champions League hopes.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Kil noted that one of the features of the town hall remodel project will deaden the noise from the passing trains, which at times can drown out speakers during town meetings.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
18 May 2025
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She was shot three times at close range, with a blanket wrapped around the gun to deaden the sound.—
Christopher Goffard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Over time, that disconnection can dull natural hunger cues, making skipped meals feel normal.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Parents,
20 May 2025
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Nothing is worse than getting partway into a craft project and getting all your pieces ready, only for your cheap, dulled scissors to destroy the edge of your fabric or paper.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Because both actors look like lumpish proletarian versions of Ingmar Bergman stars — Alma Pöysti, radiant yet benumbed, plays Ansa like a dish-towel Bibi Andersson, and Jussi Vatanen could be the schlump brother of Max von Sydow (with a dollop of Ryan Gosling).—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
23 May 2023
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What’s destructive, and eventually benumbing, is the kitchen-sink clutter of fantasy, reality, wish-fulfillment and glib enchantment.—
Joe Morgenstern,
WSJ,
24 Jan. 2019
Verb
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In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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This includes adults who have weakened immune systems, cancer or other underlying health conditions, and some mental health conditions.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cauterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cauterize. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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