moisturize

American

[mois-chuh-rahyz] / ˈmɔɪs tʃəˌraɪz /

especially British, moisturise

verb (used with object)

to add or restore moisture to (something).

to moisturize one's skin with lotion; to moisturize air.

verb (used without object)

to make something moist; counteract a dry condition with moisture.

a skin cream that moisturizes while you sleep.

moisturize British

/ ˈmɔɪstʃəˌraɪz /

verb

(tr) to add or restore moisture to (the air, the skin, etc)

"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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Etymology

Origin of moisturize

First recorded in 1940–45; moisture + -ize

Explanation

To moisturize is to add moisture to something or make it less dry. The purpose of hand lotion is to moisturize your dry hands. Moisturize is most often used to talk about beauty products, like lotions and moisturizers. If your skin's dry, oil or cream will bring some moisture and softness back to it. And, if your hair is brittle, conditioner will moisturize it and make it smoother. A diet with plenty of healthful fat can help moisturize your hair and skin too. Moisturize adds -ize, a verb-forming suffix, to moisture, from the Old French moistour, "dampness."

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The slightly baffled staff at Claridge's scrambled to comply with Daniel Kretinsky's breakfast order as he sanitised and moisturised his hands.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2025

For those suffering from aggravated eczema, it is important to keep your skin moisturised with neutral lotions, she adds.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2022

Skin care products have not seen the same decline as cosmetics though, as we've moisturised with enthusiasm after all the anti-bac gel.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2022

At that point, I feel sorry for him and his dry, grubby face and very pleased for me and my moisturised, clean one.

From The Guardian • Feb. 10, 2018

The most a facial will do is make you look vaguely better rested and better moisturised, no matter what the beautician promises.

From The Guardian • Jun. 23, 2014

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023