atomize

verb

at·​om·​ize ˈa-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce atomize (audio)
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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s also why the bro influencer world remains such a mystery to older people, women, or anyone outside of that particular algorithm: The social media landscape is atomized and personalized to each user, yet a lot of men are getting funneled into the same one. Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 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 See all Example Sentences for atomize 

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomize was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near atomize

Cite this Entry

“Atomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomize. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

atomize

verb
at·​om·​ize ˈat-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce atomize (audio)
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on atomize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!