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

Loneliness and social atomization play a large role in why individuals join extremist organizations be it ISIS/ISIL or right-wing paramilitaries and other antidemocracy and hate groups here in the U.S.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023

“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

Wallace has an eye for Americana: the kitsch, the disorder, the atomization.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2023

Knowing that the appearance of electricity depends on a process of atomization of some sort, we shall expect that where electricity becomes freely observable, it will yield phenomena of an atomistic kind.

From Man or Matter by Lehrs, Ernst

Related Words

• decay
• disintegration