atomization

American  

[at-uh-mahy-zey-shuhn] / ˌæt əˌmaɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, atomisation

noun

1. the act or process of splitting into smaller parts, sections, groups, etc.; fragmentation or disintegration.

   The atomization of society into isolated individuals, who find nothing above them but the all-powerful state, is largely a modern phenomenon.

2. the act or process of reducing a substance to fine particles or spray.

   The finer the atomization of the material, the smoother the surface produced when spraying.

3. the act or process of reducing something to atoms.

   In atomization by flame, oxygen is used as an oxidant because breaking molecules down to atoms is easier with more heat.

4. the act of destroying a target by bombing, especially with an atomic bomb.

   The atomization of Hiroshima inflicted death, mutilation, and irreparable loss on millions of men, women, and children.

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Etymology

Origin of atomization

atomiz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

Perhaps that atomization is why large communal events are still so popular.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

Countries like Germany and Russia suffered a crisis of industrial modernization, with wrenching change, uneven development and the atomization of the individual in a newly created mass society.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2025

“Part of the atomization of society is we’re not coordinated in our response to crime,” Mr. Kilpatrick said.

From Washington Times • Jul. 25, 2023

This quality of drift has less to do with Hollywood than it does with Didion’s inner climate, the centrality in her work of atomization and narrative breakdown.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2023

The resulting atomization of society has marked a new stage in the process of disintegration about which the writings of Shoghi Effendi speak so urgently.

From Century of Light by Baha'i International Community

Related Words

• decay
• disintegration