vaporize

[ vey-puh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, va·por·ized, va·por·iz·ing.

1. to cause to change into vapor.

verb (used without object)

, va·por·ized, va·por·iz·ing.

1. to become converted into vapor.
2. to indulge in boastful talk; speak braggingly.

vaporize

/ ˈveɪpəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to change or cause to change into vapour or into the gaseous state
2. to evaporate or disappear or cause to evaporate or disappear, esp suddenly
3. to destroy or be destroyed by being turned into a gas as a result of extreme heat (for example, generated by a nuclear explosion)

Derived Forms

• ˈvaporˌizable, adjective
• ˌvaporiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• vapor·iza·ble adjective
• re·vapor·ize verb revaporized revaporizing
• un·vapor·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaporize¹

First recorded in 1625–35; vapor + -ize

Example Sentences

In the experiment, a laser blast vaporized a target, sending a burst of plasma careening into a cloud of hydrogen gas.

From Science News

When that powerful laser burst hits the cylinder, X-rays stream out, vaporizing the capsule’s exterior and imploding the fuel within.

From Science News

Bitcoin clawed back some of its declines Thursday after suffering brutal losses in a broad sell-off that vaporized several billion dollars in the cryptocurrency market.

From Washington Post

He puts the chicken in the branches of a tree, walks back 20 feet, aims and vaporizes the tree and the chicken.

From Washington Post

Chemicals may break down in the soil, vaporize into the atmosphere or leach away.

From Science News

Then, in May 2016, Scotland would become independent—and suddenly, bam, those 40-odd Labour-held seats would vaporize.

From The Daily Beast

Even the things he supposedly got out of this deal could vaporize.

From The Daily Beast

The crude petroleum is distilled as rapidly as possible with fire heat to vaporize off the naphthas and the burning oils.

From Project Gutenberg

These vaporize in the arc producing the flaming arc light of a bright yellow color, and give more light than the ordinary lamp.

From Project Gutenberg

We simply apply heat to melt the ice and then more heat to vaporize the water.

From Project Gutenberg

We put in more dampers, but it kept going up and up, and I thought it might vaporize any minute.

From Project Gutenberg

The hot gases given off by the burning fuel travel around this tank and vaporize the water which it contains.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• annihilate
• atomize
• destroy
• exterminate
• kill