pixelate

[ pik-suh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, pix·el·at·ed, pix·el·at·ing.

1. in computer graphics and digital photography, to cause (an image) to break up into pixels, as by overenlarging the image:

   When enlarging a photograph, first increase the resolution to avoid pixelating it.

2. to blur (parts of a digital image) by creating unclear, pixel-like patches, for purposes of censorship or to maintain the anonymity of the subject:

   Police have asked the media to pixelate the faces of the men who were taken into custody.

verb (used without object)

, pix·el·at·ed, pix·el·at·ing.

1. (of a computer graphic or other digital image) to break up into visible pixels:

   We tried to watch the old, scratched DVD, but the image pixelated before our eyes.

pixelate

/ ˈpɪksɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. to blur (a video image) by overlaying it with a grid of squares, usually to disguise the identity of a person

Derived Forms

• ˌpixeˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• pixel·ation pix·el·i·za·tion [pik-s, uh, -l, uh, -, zey, -sh, uh, n], especially British, pixel·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pixelate¹

pixel + -ate ¹