Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

Source : WordNet®

cauterize
     v 1: burn, sear, or freeze (tissue) using a hot iron or electric
          current or a caustic agent; "The surgeon cauterized the
          wart" [syn: {cauterise}, {burn}]
     2: make insensitive or callous; deaden feelings or morals [syn:
         {callous}, {cauterise}]