oxidize
verb
ox·i·dize
ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz 
oxidized; oxidizing
1
: to combine with oxygen
Other chemicals then oxidize the sulfur dioxide to form sulfuric acid, which along with the nitric acid increases the acidity of the dewdrop.—
R. Monastersky
R. MonasterskyShould the cork be allowed to dry out, it will shrink and allow air to seep in and oxidize the wine.—Peter D. Meltzer
Peter D. Meltzer2
: to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen
oxidize an alcohol to an aldehyde
3
: to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence
What mix of products is formed is a function of the electrode potential used to oxidize the chloride ion.—Chemical & Engineering News
: remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
Chemical & Engineering Newsoxidize metallic copper to ionic copper
: to become oxidized
Fats can either oxidize (combine with oxygen) or hydrolyze (combine with water) to become rancid.—Shirley Corriher
Shirley CorriherSilver does not oxidize, or rust, on exposure to air. In fact, compared with most other elements, it is not particularly reactive.—C. Claiborne Ray
C. Claiborne RayExamples of oxidize in a Sentence
The paint oxidizes and discolors rapidly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Even sitting unused, components like rubber hoses, gaskets, and tires can oxidize and turn brittle with time.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Metals also oxidize in the aqueous environment of the brain, which can lead them to degrade over time.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 26 Sep. 2024
Then, rinse the cloth well, wring it out, and go over the area to remove soap residue, which can oxidize and create a stain of its own if left on the felt.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2024
For example, panels of fabric on display at the company’s showrooms in Kyoto are shot with silver leaf that has been oxidizing for more than 40 years, its patina and texture forever evolving.
—Miles Socha, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for oxidize 
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Umair Irfan, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Metals also oxidize in the aqueous environment of the brain, which can lead them to degrade over time.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 26 Sep. 2024
Then, rinse the cloth well, wring it out, and go over the area to remove soap residue, which can oxidize and create a stain of its own if left on the felt.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2024
For example, panels of fabric on display at the company’s showrooms in Kyoto are shot with silver leaf that has been oxidizing for more than 40 years, its patina and texture forever evolving.
—Miles Socha, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for oxidize
Dictionary Entries Near oxidize
Cite this Entry
“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidize. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oxidize
verb
ox·i·dize
ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz
oxidized; oxidizing
1
: to combine with oxygen
2
: to remove hydrogen from especially by the action of oxygen
3
: to remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
4
: to become oxidized
oxidizer
noun
Medical Definition
oxidize
verb
ox·i·dize
variants
also British oxidise
oxidized also British oxidised; oxidizing also British oxidising
1
: to combine with oxygen
2
: to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen
3
: to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence : remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
: to become oxidized
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