atomize

[ at-uh-mahyz ]
/ ˈæt əˌmaɪz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR atomize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.

to reduce to atoms.
to reduce to fine particles or spray.
to destroy (a target) by bombing, especially with an atomic bomb.

verb (used without object), at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.

to split into many sections, groups, factions, etc.; fragmentize: Critics say the group has atomized around several leaders.

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Also especially British, at·om·ise.

Origin of atomize

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM atomize

at·om·i·za·tion, noun

Words nearby atomize

atomic volume, atomic weight, atomicity, atomics, atomism, atomize, atomizer, atomy, aton, atonal, atonalism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to atomization

disintegration, decay, division, putrefaction, dissolution, putrescence, dissipation, corruption, putridity

Example sentences from the Web for atomization

British Dictionary definitions for atomization

atomize

atomise

/ (ˈætəˌmaɪz) /

verb

to separate or be separated into free atoms
to reduce (a liquid or solid) to fine particles or spray or (of a liquid or solid) to be reduced in this way
(tr) to destroy by weapons, esp nuclear weapons

Derived forms of atomize

atomization or atomisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012