atomize

[ at-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.

1. to reduce to atoms.
2. to reduce to fine particles or spray.
3. to destroy (a target) by bombing, especially with an atomic bomb.
4. to split into smaller parts, sections, groups, factions, etc.:

   Principles of freedom and individual liberty encouraged the economic individualism that atomized the nation and destroyed social responsibility.

verb (used without object)

, at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.

1. to split into smaller units; fragment:

   Critics say the group has atomized around several leaders.

atomize

/ ˈætəˌmaɪz /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• ˌatomiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• at·om·i·za·tion [at-, uh, -mahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomize¹

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ize