vaporize

verb

va·​por·​ize ˈvā-pə-ˌrīz How to pronounce vaporize (audio)
vaporized; vaporizing

transitive verb

1
: to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor
2
: to cause to become dissipated
3
: to destroy by or as if by converting into vapor
a tank vaporized by a shell
vaporizable adjective
vaporization noun

Examples of vaporize in a Sentence

Heat is used to vaporize the liquid. Pressure causes the chemical to vaporize.
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.
In an instant, the scoring threat was vaporized, with the score still tied at 5. Sam Blum, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025 Tens of thousands were instantly vaporized or killed in the immediate blast wave, with tens of thousands more dying of radiation sickness over the ensuing weeks and months. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2025 Distraught, Korby ends up vaporizing himself and Andrea with a phaser. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 18 July 2025 The initial radiation burst was over 8,000 degrees Celsius hot, instantly vaporizing the steel tower and much of the superficial layers, mixing the elements from the minerals with the radioactive elements and traces of iron, forming a new and unique chemical mix.. David Bressan, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vaporize

Word History

Etymology

vapor entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vaporize was in 1803

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vaporize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaporize. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

vaporize

verb
va·​por·​ize ˈvā-pə-ˌrīz How to pronounce vaporize (audio)
vaporized; vaporizing
: to turn from a liquid or solid into vapor
vaporization noun

Medical Definition

vaporize

verb
va·​por·​ize
variants also British vaporise
vaporized also British vaporised; vaporizing also British vaporising

transitive verb

: to convert from a liquid or solid into a vapor
vaporized plaque in an artery with laser treatment
vaporizable adjective
also British vaporisable

More from Merriam-Webster on vaporize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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