Library / English Dictionary

ATOMIZE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Break up into small particles

Example:

the fine powder had been atomized by air

Synonyms:

atomise; atomize

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "atomize" is one way to...):

break up; fragment; fragmentise; fragmentize (break or cause to break into pieces)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Derivation:

atom ((physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element)

atomization (separating something into fine particles)

atomizer (a dispenser that turns a liquid (such as perfume) into a fine mist)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Strike at with firepower or bombs

Example:

zap the enemy

Synonyms:

atomise; atomize; nuke; zap

Classified under:

Verbs of fighting, athletic activities

Hypernyms (to "atomize" is one way to...):

bomb; bombard (throw bombs at or attack with bombs)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Derivation:

atomization (annihilation by reducing something to atoms)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Spray very finely

Example:

atomize perfume

Synonyms:

atomise; atomize

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Hypernyms (to "atomize" is one way to...):

spray (scatter in a mass or jet of droplets)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

atomizer (a dispenser that turns a liquid (such as perfume) into a fine mist)

Credits