moisturize

American  

[mois-chuh-rahyz] / ˈmɔɪs tʃəˌraɪz /

especially British, moisturise

verb (used with object)

moisturized, moisturizing

1. to add or restore moisture to (something).

   to moisturize one's skin with lotion; to moisturize air.

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verb (used without object)

moisturized, moisturizing

1. to make something moist; counteract a dry condition with moisture.

   a skin cream that moisturizes while you sleep.

moisturize British  

/ ˈmɔɪstʃəˌraɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to add or restore moisture to (the air, the skin, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• demoisturize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of moisturize

First recorded in 1940–45; moisture + -ize

Explanation

To moisturize is to add moisture to something or make it less dry. The purpose of hand lotion is to moisturize your dry hands. Moisturize is most often used to talk about beauty products, like lotions and moisturizers. If your skin's dry, oil or cream will bring some moisture and softness back to it. And, if your hair is brittle, conditioner will moisturize it and make it smoother. A diet with plenty of healthful fat can help moisturize your hair and skin too. Moisturize adds -ize, a verb-forming suffix, to moisture, from the Old French moistour, "dampness."

Example Sentences

I’ll shower, cleanse, moisturize and all that stuff.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

So I drink a lot of water and I moisturize.

From New York Times • Jun. 24, 2023

Help guests moisturize after hand-washing with a solid lotion/moisturizer, such as one from Kate McLeod.

From Washington Post • Nov. 16, 2022

Not only does it help moisturize hair, but it's also great for circulation.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2022

And now, with new Lady 'Stache Off’s triple beauty action™, you can moisturize and self-tan while you rip that unsightly hair from every pore.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

Related Words

• dampen
• drench
• rinse
• saturate
• soak
• sprinkle
• squirt
• steam
• wash
• wet