evaporate

verb

evap·​o·​rate i-ˈva-p(ə-)ˌrāt 

evaporated; evaporating

transitive verb

1

a

: to convert into vapor

also : to dissipate or draw off in vapor or fumes

b

: to deposit (a substance, such as a metal) in the form of a film by sublimation

2

a

: to expel moisture from

b

: expel

evaporate electrons from a hot wire

intransitive verb

1

a

: to pass off in vapor or in minute particles

b(1)

: to pass off or away : disappear

her ardor evaporated

(2)

: to diminish quickly

2

: to give forth vapor

evaporative

i-ˈva-pə-ˌrā-tiv 

adjective

evaporator

i-ˈva-pə-ˌrā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• dematerialize
• disappear
• dissolve
• evanesce
• fade
• flee
• fly
• melt
• sink
• vanish

Examples of evaporate in a Sentence

Let the liquid start to evaporate.

The heat evaporated the water.

The opportunity evaporated before he could act on it.

Recent Examples on the Web

That sense of urgency seems to have evaporated as Bolt struggles to answer questions about the strange deal. —Iain Martin, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

This time, after a 20-point lead late in the second quarter almost completely evaporated at the start of the third, the Heat came together to improve to 3-1 on the trip and 20-17 on the season. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025

What’s Great About It Water quickly evaporates from the surface Low maintenance Elevated appearance What Could Be Better Grooves can trip you up As the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new. —Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025

The alcohol in the gel melts the ice in the lock and the hand sanitizer will evaporate. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin evaporatus, past participle of evaporare, from e- + vapor steam, vapor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

evaporate

verb

evap·​o·​rate i-ˈvap-ə-ˌrāt 

evaporated; evaporating

1

: to pass off or cause to pass off into vapor from a liquid state

2

: to pass off or away : disappear

felt the excitement evaporate

3

: to remove some of the water from (as by heating)

evaporator

-ˌrāt-ər 

noun