Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

petrolize

transitive verb
Save Word
pet·​ro·​lize | \ ˈpe‧trəˌlīz \
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of petrolize

1 : to ignite by means of petroleum
2 : to treat or impregnate with petroleum or a petroleum product
3 : to cover the surface of (as water) with petroleum for mosquito control

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for petrolize

petroleum + -ize

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about petrolize

Statistics for petrolize

Cite this Entry

“Petrolize.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrolize. Accessed 26 January 2020.

Comments on petrolize

What made you want to look up petrolize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

sublimate

Listen to the pronounciation of sublimate

to express in a more acceptable way

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Intact Latin Quiz

  • roman tablet
  • What did focus mean in Latin?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games