atomize
/ˈatəmʌɪz
/(also atomise)
verb [with object]
1Convert (a substance) into very fine particles or droplets: (as adjective atomized) finely atomized fuel...
- This pressure level is meant to atomize the fuel into fine particles to ensure clean combustion.
- When the carburetor can emulsify and atomize the fuel mixture well, distribution to each cylinder improves.
- The arc melts the wires and the molten metal is atomized by a continuous flow of either high-velocity compressed air or nonoxidizing gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or argon.
1.1Reduce to atoms.Clearly, my watch cannot survive ‘disassembly’ into its constituent atoms: to atomize my watch is to destroy it for ever....
- The disadvantage is that when they explode, the material is atomised and then can be inhaled by anybody of any age in the locality afterwards.
- Soon Andy also acquires an absurd-looking gun that completely atomizes anything he points it at.
1.2Break up into small units: by disrupting our ties with our neighbours, crime atomizes society...
- While industrial and information economic models tend to atomise society into individual units, nothing works without some level of cooperation and cohesion.
- Where trust is absent, suspicion rules; you deal only with those you know first-hand, which atomizes society and diminishes the range of human experience.
- A common criticism of cities throughout the ages is that they atomise society, that they replace community with a mere collection of strangers living in close proximity to each other.
Derivatives
atomization
/ noun ...- Overall, atomization bred apathy towards the higher state structure.
- Nothing that has happened since that day has altered the mood of atomisation and political alienation within our societies, or galvanised public support for politics and government.
- There is a growing sense of atomisation and alienation in the West.