radioactivate

[rey-dee-oh-ak-tuh-veyt]

verb (used with object)

Physics.

radioactivated, radioactivating 

1. to make (a substance) radioactive.

radioactivate

/ ˌreɪdɪəʊˈæktɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to make radioactive

Other Word Forms

• radioactivation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of radioactivate¹

First recorded in 1900–05; radioactive + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

If there is any dispute," says Griffon proudly, "we can radioactivate the hair again.

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An atomic minefield would be an effective obstacle to the movement of ground forces, would destroy men and vehicles near the explosion, might radioactivate and make impassable a wide strip of important territory.

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Related Words

• corrupt 
• harm 
• infect 
• injure 
• poison 
• pollute 
• stain 
• taint 
• tarnish