atomize

[ at-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.

1. to reduce to atoms.
2. to reduce to fine particles or spray.
3. to destroy (a target) by bombing, especially with an atomic bomb.
4. to split into smaller parts, sections, groups, factions, etc.:

   Principles of freedom and individual liberty encouraged the economic individualism that atomized the nation and destroyed social responsibility.

verb (used without object)

, at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.

1. to split into smaller units; fragment:

   Critics say the group has atomized around several leaders.

atomize

/ ˈætəˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to separate or be separated into free atoms
2. to reduce (a liquid or solid) to fine particles or spray or (of a liquid or solid) to be reduced in this way
3. tr to destroy by weapons, esp nuclear weapons

Derived Forms

• ˌatomiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• at·om·i·za·tion [at-, uh, -mahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomize¹

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ize

Example Sentences

Trumpism, like other forms of fascism and fake populist movements, preys upon lonely, isolated, socially atomized, and alienated people who are searching for community and meaning in their lives.

From Salon

In an atomized attention economy, this shock-and-awe approach may be the only megaphone loud enough to shatter information deserts and shift the needle with the voters who matter most.

From Salon

Or, remaining atomized, they may try to reclaim individual power in pyrrhic victories over others through domestic violence, bullying, mass shootings, and terrorism.

From Salon

Suburban life is, admittedly, fundamentally strange, with neighborhoods full of atomized worlds and natural features turned into individual, highly-controlled assets.

From New York Times

Today’s infinite-channel universe has atomized the TV audience, as has the tribal nature of the internet, partisan podcasts and fragmentation of the media in general.

From Los Angeles Times