atomize
[ at-uh-mahyz ]
/ ˈæt əˌmaɪz /
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.
Nearby words
Also especially British, at·om·ise.
Related formsat·om·i·za·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
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 Formsatomization or atomisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for atomize
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.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper