atomize

verb

at·​om·​ize ˈa-tə-ˌmīz 

atomized; atomizing

transitive verb

1

: to treat as made up of many discrete units

2

: to reduce to minute particles or to a fine spray

3

: divide, fragment

an atomized society

also : to deprive of meaningful ties to others

atomized individuals

4

: to subject to attack by nuclear weapons

atomization

ˌa-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• beat
• bray
• comminute
• crush
• disintegrate
• grind
• mill
• mull
• pound
• powder
• pulverize

Examples of atomize in a Sentence

this medication for athlete's foot is atomized so that it can be sprayed on from an aerosol can

Recent Examples on the Web

Filming Outside Hollywood: Challenges, Opportunities, and Passports Runaway production has been atomized as states and countries compete to offer producers the hottest deals. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2024

Regardless of whether extremists are coalescing or whether the threat remains atomized, the assessment recognizes that online chatter about civil war had already inspired plans for real-world violence. —Tess Owen, WIRED, 23 Oct. 2024

Storylines feel increasingly atomized: Jimmy’s friend Brian (Michael Urie) considers having a baby; Gaby counsels her students; Liz, now an empty nester, casts about for a purpose. —Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2024

As familial units grow smaller and more atomized, fewer people get married, and high levels of voluntary childlessness take hold in country after country. —Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

atomize

verb

at·​om·​ize ˈat-ə-ˌmīz 

atomized; atomizing

: to reduce to very tiny particles or to a fine spray

Medical Definition

atomize

transitive verb

at·​om·​ize

variants or British atomise

ˈat-ə-ˌmīz 

atomized or British atomised; atomizing or British atomising

: to convert to minute particles or to a fine spray

an atomized medicated powder

atomization noun

or British atomisation

ˌat-ə-mə-ˈzā-shən