1. to burn or sear tissue with a hot instrument or chemical substance, typically to stop bleeding or remove diseased tissue
Usage: medical/surgical context
2. to make insensitive or unfeeling; to harden morally or emotionally
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The surgeon cauterizes the wound to prevent excessive bleeding.
• The doctor cauterizes the lesion using a laser.
• Years of rejection cauterizes the heart against hope.
• Repeated trauma can cauterize one's ability to trust others.
• The procedure cauterizes the blood vessels to seal them.
• His conscience was cauterized by years of dishonesty.