dematerialize

[ dee-muh-teer-ee-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with or without object)

, de·ma·te·ri·al·ized, de·ma·te·ri·al·iz·ing.

1. to deprive of or lose material character.

dematerialize

/ ˌdiːməˈtɪərɪəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to cease to have material existence, as in science fiction or spiritualism
2. to disappear without trace; vanish

Derived Forms

• demaˌterialiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• dema·teri·al·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dematerialize¹

First recorded in 1880–85; de- + materialize

Example Sentences

The lively canvas, hardly an illustration of an event, employs light-reflective silver and golden-brown metallic paints applied in vast fields of paisley-like commas that dematerialize into a spatially ambiguous surface shimmer.

From Los Angeles Times

There is no insistence in Tanowitz’s work; its beauties flower and dematerialize before your eyes.

From New York Times

In fact, the waterfront dining room and the meticulously prepared tasting menu have already dematerialized.

From Los Angeles Times

Other pop scenes seemed to dematerialize in its wake.

From New York Times

Jules confesses — to making the recording and to stealing the silky gown Cynthia wears to do “La Wally” — and both times her umbrage dematerializes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• abandon
• depart
• die
• die out
• dissipate
• dissolve
• escape
• evaporate
• expire
• fade
• flee
• fly
• go
• leave
• melt
• perish
• recede
• retire
• retreat
• sink