irradiate

verb

ir·​ra·​di·​ate i-ˈrā-dē-ˌāt 

irradiated; irradiating

transitive verb

1

a

: to affect or treat by radiant energy (such as heat)

specifically : to treat by irradiation

b

: to cast rays of light upon : illuminate

c

: to enlighten intellectually or spiritually

2

: to emit like rays of light : radiate

irradiating strength and comfort

intransitive verb

archaic : to emit rays : shine

irradiative

i-ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

irradiator

i-ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• illumine
• illuminate
• light

Examples of irradiate in a Sentence

The food was irradiated to kill any germs.

the light from a galaxy of flashing signs irradiates the heart and soul of Las Vegas

Recent Examples on the Web

After World War II and the dropping of the atomic bombs, though, Americans began to pull back from their love of all things irradiating. —IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2020

Foreign policy discourse was the last preserve of bipartisanship, but political polarization has irradiated that marketplace of ideas. —Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019

Additionally, these scans irradiate the lungs, breasts, thyroid, and digestive system which are more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

The scientists sent the molecules into the X-ray laser beam using a fine gas nozzle, ensuring that each molecule was isolated before being irradiated. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin irradiatus, past participle of irradiare, from in- + radius ray

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Rhymes for irradiate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

irradiate

verb

ir·​ra·​di·​ate ir-ˈād-ē-ˌāt 

irradiated; irradiating

1

a

: to cast rays of light on : illuminate

b

: to affect or treat by exposure to radiation (as of ultraviolet light, X-rays, or gamma rays)

2

: to give off like rays of light : radiate

irradiation

-ˌād-ē-ˈā-shən

noun

Medical Definition

irradiate

transitive verb

ir·​ra·​di·​ate ir-ˈād-ē-ˌāt 

irradiated; irradiating

: to affect or treat by radiant energy (as heat)

specifically : to treat by exposure to radiation (as ultraviolet light or gamma rays)