solarize

American  

[soh-luh-rahyz] / ˈsoʊ ləˌraɪz /

especially British, solarise

verb (used with object)

solarized, solarizing

1. Photography. to reverse (an image) partially, as from negative to positive, by exposure to light during development.

2. to adapt (a building) to the use of solar energy.

   We hope to solarize our house within five years.

3. to affect by sunlight.

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verb (used without object)

solarized, solarizing

1. Photography. (of material) to become injured by overexposure.

solarize British  

/ ˈsəʊləˌraɪz /

verb

1. to treat by exposure to the sun's rays

2. photog to reverse some of the tones of (a negative or print) and introduce pronounced outlines of highlights, by exposing it briefly to light after developing and washing, and then redeveloping

3. to expose (a patient) to the therapeutic effects of solar or ultraviolet light

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Other Word Forms

• solarization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of solarize

First recorded in 1850–55; solar ¹ + -ize

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

solarize solarized solarizing

One is to turn off the water and solarize the lawn by covering it with black plastic.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 29, 2022

Let the area re-sprout, then do it again and again — or cover the spot with plastic sheeting to solarize some of the remains after the first try.

From New York Times ● May 8, 2020

This will shorten the time in the camera nearly five minutes; but it requires care, as it is apt to solarize.

From Notes and Queries, Number 203, September 17, 1853 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George

Daguerreotype plate, prepared in the ordinary manner, should be exposed in the camera a sufficient time to solarize the impression.

From American Hand Book of the Daguerreotype by Humphrey, S. D. (Samuel Dwight)

Progress is being made at MacArthur Park through significant investment, with approximately $28 million spent across multiple funding sources, resulting in visible improvements including new solarized streetlights, playground repairs, and improved sanitation efforts.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 22, 2026

Solar Holler estimates the first schools to be solarized in early 2024 and the others to go online on a rolling basis in the following 12 to 18 months.

From Washington Times ● Nov. 29, 2023

In July, when the site flickers on, the city will be the most solarized in northern New England.

From The New Yorker ● Jun. 22, 2015

He paired the head with its mirror image underneath, then saturated the picture with solarized tones of acid green, yellow and red.

From New York Times ● Oct. 6, 2014

Should it present a deep blue or black appearance it is solarized or over-timed.

From American Hand Book of the Daguerreotype by Humphrey, S. D. (Samuel Dwight)

“We are investing in solarizing street lights so entire neighborhoods are not left in the dark,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison determined that heating compost or soil to at least 104 degrees for three days will kill the cocoons, but solarizing isn’t an option in a bed containing plants.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 18, 2023