decontamination

verb (used with object), de·con·tam·i·nated, de·con·tam·i·nat·ing.

1. to make (an object or area) safe for unprotected personnel by removing, neutralizing, or destroying any harmful substance, as radioactive material or poisonous gas.
2. to make free of contamination; purify: to decontaminate a sickroom.

verb

1. (tr) to render (an area, building, object, etc) harmless by the removal, distribution, or neutralization of poisons, radioactivity, etc

v.

1936, from de- + contaminate. Originally in reference to poison gas. Related: Decontaminated; decontaminating.

n.

1. The removal or neutralization of a contaminating substance, such as poisonous gas or a radioactive material.