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

Explanation

To oxidize is to chemically combine with oxygen. If you have a rusty car, that is the result of "oxidizing." In chemistry class, you'll probably learn about oxidizing, which is when oxygen molecules combine with other molecules to produce an oxide. The most common example of oxidizing is rusting: oxygen interacts with iron molecules to produce the new (and unwelcome) iron oxide molecules, better known as rust. There are other types of oxidizing too, such as how the oxygen in our bodies is used to break down sugars. Oxidizing is a type of chemical reaction.

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

This process poses challenges including selective addition of bromine at the ortho position, difficulty working with certain chemical groups, and the tendency of o-bromobenzenethiols to oxidize easily in air releasing unpleasant odors.

From Science Daily • May 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

“It wouldn’t be stealing. She said her elixir has to oxidize for two weeks. We’d just borrow some of hers now and replace it with some of yours later.”

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool