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 massive machine uses deep-learning AI models to scan fields and identify weeds in real time before vaporizing them with more than 30 high-powered lasers, all while protecting the crop.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s another element there that I think is the key element, and that is an agreed upon hierarchy, which I think is absolutely vaporized in today’s moment,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The heat vaporizes the bottom, but the energy doesn't travel through the entire droplet.

From Science Daily

When the launchpad behind those particles is hit by a laser beam, part of the material vaporizes, creating a jet of vapor that propels the particle in the opposite direction.

From Science Daily

Patagonia is collecting end-of-life wet suits for a partner that vaporizes them to reclaim what’s known as carbon black, a key ingredient in neoprene and in the natural rubber Patagonia uses.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• annihilate
• atomize
• destroy
• exterminate
• kill