Cauterize \Cau"ter*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Cauterized}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Cauterizing}.] [L. cauterizare, Gr. ?, fr. a branding iron: cf. F. caut['e]rised.. See {cauter}.] 1. To burn or sear with a cautery or caustic. --Dunglison. 2. To sear, as the conscience. --Jer. Taylor.