oxidize

American  

[ok-si-dahyz] / ˈɒk sɪˌdaɪz /

especially British, oxidise

verb (used with object)

oxidized, oxidizing

1. to convert (an element) into an oxide; combine with oxygen.

2. to cover with a coating of oxide or rust.

3. to take away hydrogen, as by the action of oxygen; add oxygen or any nonmetal.

4. to remove electrons from (an atom or molecule), thereby increasing the valence.

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verb (used without object)

oxidized, oxidizing

1. to become oxidized.

2. (especially of white wine) to lose freshness after prolonged exposure to air and often to darken in color.

oxidize British  

/ ˈɒksɪˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen, as in formation of an oxide

2. to form or cause to form a layer of metal oxide, as in rusting

3. to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms

4. to undergo or cause to undergo a decrease in the number of electrons Compare reduce

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oxidize Scientific  

/ ŏk′sĭ-dīz′ /

1. To undergo or cause to undergo oxidation.

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Other Word Forms

• antioxidizing adjective
• half-oxidized adjective
• nonoxidizable adjective
• nonoxidizing adjective
• overoxidize verb
• oxidable adjective
• oxidizability noun
• oxidizable adjective
• oxidization noun
• reoxidize verb
• underoxidize verb (used with object)
• unoxidizable adjective
• unoxidized adjective

Etymology

Origin of oxidize

First recorded in 1795–1805; oxide + -ize

Example Sentences

“The presence of ferrihydrite tells us something specific about Mars' past environment,” Valentinas said, describing the cold and pH neutral waters that must have existed to oxidize the soil.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2025

"Ice is like armor. Melt it and you create windows for groundwater to get into rock that has not seen water and oxygen for millennia, and it will begin to oxidize quite quickly," Manning said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2024

These, Borduas-Dedekind explains, oxidize in the air, forming larger molecules that can easily absorb water and form clouds.

From National Geographic • Feb. 16, 2024

Over time, the shiny brass exterior will oxidize, giving the pencil holder a vintage, worn-in feel.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2023

Perhaps there is an exotic inorganic chemistry in the Martian soil that is able by itself, in the absence of Martian microbes, to oxidize foodstuffs.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan