crystallize

especially British, crys·tal·lise

[kris-tl-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

crystallized, crystallizing 

1. to form into crystals; cause to assume crystalline form.

2. to give definite or concrete form to.

   to crystallize an idea.

3. to coat with sugar.

verb (used without object)

crystallized, crystallizing 

1. to form crystals; become crystalline in form.

2. to assume definite or concrete form.

crystallize

/ ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to form or cause to form crystals; assume or cause to assume a crystalline form or structure

2. to coat or become coated with sugar

   crystallized fruit

3. to give a definite form or expression to (an idea, argument, etc) or (of an idea, argument, etc) to assume a recognizable or definite form

Other Word Forms

• crystallizability noun
• crystallizable adjective
• crystallizer noun
• noncrystallizable adjective
• noncrystallized adjective
• noncrystallizing adjective
• uncrystallizable adjective
• uncrystallized adjective
• crystallization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of crystallize¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; crystall- + -ize

Example Sentences

Why did you feel the need to step up in this moment and how has your activism crystallized in your career as a comic?

From Los Angeles Times

Worthwhile documentaries crystallize a point in time in a way that contextualizes current circumstances.

From Salon

Arguably the rise in small boat crossings since 2018 has been a major factor in crystallizing voters' concerns.

From BBC

Making the documentary about his parents, an idea that crystallized after his father died in 2020, reinforced that belief.

From Los Angeles Times

As midnight approached, the psychic tension in the room crystallized into apocalyptic terror.

From Salon