Cauterize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cauterized; p. pr. & vb. n. Cauterizing.]
Etymology: [L. cauterizare, Gr. cautérised.. See cauter.]
1. To burn or sear with a cautery or caustic. Dunglison.
2. To sear, as the conscience. Jer. Taylor.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for cauterize; he lists it under burn.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.