Real Dictionary

cauterize
verb: If a doctor cauterizes a wound, he or she burns it with heat or with a chemical in order to close it up and prevent it from becoming infected.

cauterize in American English
to burn with a hot needle, a laser, a caustic substance, or an electric current, so as to destroy dead or unwanted tissue, prevent the spread of infection, seal blood vessels, etc.
transitive verb: to burn with a hot iron, electric current, fire, or a caustic, esp. for curative purposes; treat with a cautery

cauterize in British English
verb: (esp in the treatment of a wound) to burn or sear (body tissue) with a hot iron or caustic agent