rarefy

[ rair-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, rar·e·fied, rar·e·fy·ing.

1. to make rare or rarer; make less dense:

   to rarefy a gas.

2. to make more refined, spiritual, or exalted.

verb (used without object)

, rar·e·fied, rar·e·fy·ing.

1. to become rare or less dense; become thinned:

   Moisture rarefies when heated.

rarefy

/ ˈrɛərɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make or become rarer or less dense; thin out

Derived Forms

• ˈrareˌfier, noun
• ˈrareˌfiable, adjective

Other Words From

• rare·fia·ble adjective
• rare·fier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rarefien, from Middle French rarefier, from Medieval Latin rārificāre, from Latin rārēfacere, equivalent to rārē-, irregular, unexplained combining form of rārus + facere “to make”; rare ¹, -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefy¹

C14: from Old French raréfier , from Latin rārēfacere , from rārus rare ¹+ facere to make

Example Sentences

Along the way, Watkins would once again remind of the rarefied air she already occupies in women’s basketball.

From Los Angeles Times

We’ve come a long way since then, but in most countries health authorities still occupy rarefied ground.

From Salon

In the rarefied world of judges, that counts as a scolding.

From Seattle Times

It was that kind of rarefied air West navigated in thanks to a full life in basketball, the sport that tormented him so.

From Los Angeles Times

In the 18 years since her family left their home in New Jersey and stepped into some of the most rarefied circles in Washington, Martha-Ann Alito has never sought or cultivated a particularly public identity.

From New York Times

Related Words

• attenuate