rot vs sterilize

rot

verb
  • To suffer decomposition due to biological action, especially by fungi or bacteria. 

  • To expose, as flax, to a process of maceration, etc., for the purpose of separating the fiber; to ret. 

  • To spend a long period of time (in an unpleasant place). 

  • To decline in function or utility. 

  • To (cause to) deteriorate in any way, as in morals; to corrupt. 

  • To make putrid; to cause to be wholly or partially decomposed by natural processes. 

noun
  • Any of several diseases in which breakdown of tissue occurs. 

  • The process of becoming rotten; putrefaction. 

  • Verbal nonsense. 

  • Decaying matter. 

sterilize

verb
  • To kill, deactivate (denature), or destroy (break apart) all living, viable microorganisms and spores on a surface, in a fluid, or contained in a compound, such as culture media or a medical product. 

  • To deprive of the ability to procreate. 

  • To redact (a document), removing classified or sensitive material. 

  • To make unable to produce; to make unprofitable. 

How often have the words rot and sterilize occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )