catabolize

verb

ca·​tab·​o·​lize kə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce catabolize (audio)
catabolized; catabolizing

transitive verb

: to subject to catabolism

intransitive verb

: to undergo catabolism

Word History

Etymology

catabol(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

circa 1926, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of catabolize was circa 1926

Rhymes for catabolize

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Browse Nearby Words

catabolite
catabolize
catacaustic
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Cite this Entry

“Catabolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catabolize. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

catabolize

verb
ca·​tab·​o·​lize
variants or British catabolise
-ˌlīz How to pronounce catabolize (audio)
catabolized or British catabolised; catabolizing or British catabolising

transitive verb

: to subject to catabolism

intransitive verb

: to undergo catabolism
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