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

The tank’s distinctive squat and oval shape reflects its original purpose, which was to store substances that “will not remain in liquid form unless held under slight pressure or for light oils that vaporize readily,” wrote Nicholas Beyelia, a librarian for the Los Angeles Public library.

From Los Angeles Times

Too high, and the heat will vaporize the entire droplet.

From Science Daily

“Don’t ever call me that again, or I will vaporize you across ten galactic quadrants!”

From Literature

The solvent might vaporize and clog the emitter, so engineers typically design emitters to limit evaporation.

From Science Daily

That’s when, as Gancher recounts using many real texts, posts and tweets of the time, trolls at the Internet Research Agency — a real place in St. Petersburg, Russia — devised sticky memes and other content meant to undermine confidence in the electoral process, sow general discord, legitimize Trumpism and vaporize Hillary Clinton.

From New York Times

Related Words

• annihilate
• atomize
• destroy
• exterminate
• kill