Synonyms

moisturize

American

[mois-chuh-rahyz] / ˈmɔɪs tʃəˌraɪz /

especially British, moisturise

verb (used with object)

moisturized, moisturizing

to add or restore moisture to (something).

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

verb (used without object)

moisturized, moisturizing

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

Other Word Forms

demoisturize verb (used with object)

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.

Clara Elvira Oliva, 68, a contact lens wearer from Florida, began using EzriCare Artificial Tears to moisturize her eyes at the recommendation of the ophthalmologist at her health clinic.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2023

You’ll want to moisturize right after you get out of the shower.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2022

Not only does it help moisturize hair, but it's also great for circulation.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2022

“I tell my patients the best time to moisturize is before you go to bed and after you shower.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 19, 2022

Be sure to moisturize with an ultra- hydrating serum like The Corporation’s new Skin So Right B14 Complex for Total Cell Renewal, made with essential vitamins, minerals, and concentrated yak’s bladder.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

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