atomize

[at-uh-mahyz]

See more 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.

Also especially British, at·om·ise.

Origin of atomize

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ize

Related formsat·om·i·za·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for atomize

pulverize, vaporize, reduce, spray, grate, destroy

British Dictionary definitions for atomize

atomize

atomise

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 Formsatomization 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

Word Origin and History for atomize

"reduce to atoms," 1845; "reduce a liquid to a very fine mist," 1865, verb formed from atom + -ize. Related: Atomized; atomizing. Originally in reference to medical treatment for injured or diseased lungs; sense of "to destroy with atomic weapons" is from 1945.