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.

From Time Magazine Archive

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.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

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