dehydrate

[ dee-hahy-dreyt ]

verb (used with object)

, de·hy·drat·ed, de·hy·drat·ing.

1. to deprive (a chemical compound) of water or the elements of water.
2. to free (fruit, vegetables, etc.) from moisture for preservation; dry.
3. to remove water from (the body or a tissue).
4. to deprive of spirit, force, or meaning; render less interesting or effectual.

verb (used without object)

, de·hy·drat·ed, de·hy·drat·ing.

1. to lose water or moisture:

   Milk dehydrates easily.

dehydrate

/ ˌdiːhaɪˈdreɪt; diːˈhaɪdreɪt /

verb

1. to lose or cause to lose water; make or become anhydrous
2. to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms in the proportions in which they occur in water, as in a chemical reaction
3. to lose or deprive of water, as the body or tissues

Derived Forms

• deˈhydrator, noun
• ˌdehyˈdration, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dehydrate¹

First recorded in 1850–55; de- + hydrate

Synonym Study

See evaporate.

Example Sentences

Hydrating the salt releases heat, which is used to heat the building, and extra heat from the heat pump at other times of day is required to dehydrate, or charge, the TCM.

From Science Daily

Organic strawberries from Harry’s Berries are given a light dusting of California-grown guajillo chile, a squeeze of Key lime and a sprinkle of Big Sur sea salt before being slowly dehydrated.

From Los Angeles Times

Taking on lot of fluids is the only treatment for norovirus, to avoid becoming dehydrated.

From BBC

Injured, starving and dehydrated, he was unable to leave the building.

From BBC

He said he was dehydrated and running a fever.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dry out