Which term describes a chemical or physical procedure to inhibit or destroy pathogens?

The term that describes a chemical or physical procedure to inhibit or destroy pathogens is disinfect. Disinfection involves the use of antimicrobial agents to eliminate a range of pathogens on inanimate surfaces. This process is essential in infection control protocols, especially in healthcare settings such as dental offices, to reduce the risk of infection transmission.

Disinfection differs from sanitation, which primarily reduces the number of microorganisms to safe levels rather than completely killing them. The cleansing process usually refers to the removal of dirt and debris, not specifically targeting pathogens. Purifying often refers to the removal of contaminants in a broader sense, which may include but is not limited to biological pathogens. Thus, disinfection is the most accurate term for a procedure aiming specifically at destroying pathogens.