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atomize

[ at-uh-mahyz ]
/ ˈæt əˌmaɪz /
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See synonyms for: atomize / atomization 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.
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.
to split into smaller units; fragment: 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 [at-uh-mahy-zey-shuhn], /ˌæt əˌmaɪˈzeɪ ʃən/, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

British Dictionary definitions for atomize

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
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