Definition

1. Verb:
   • To expose to radiation: To treat something with or subject it to radiation, often for purposes such as sterilization, preservation, or medical treatment.
   • To cast rays of light upon; to illuminate: To shine light on something, making it bright or visible.
   • To give spiritual insight to; to enlighten intellectually or spiritually: To fill someone with intellectual or spiritual light or clarity.

Usage and Examples

• To expose to radiation:

  • Food is sometimes irradiated to kill harmful bacteria and extend its shelf life.
  • The patient's tumor was irradiated as part of the cancer treatment.

• To cast rays of light upon; to illuminate:

  • The morning sun began to irradiate the valley, dispelling the mist.
  • A single spotlight irradiated the performer on the dark stage.

• To give spiritual insight to; to enlighten:

  • The teacher's wisdom seemed to irradiate the minds of her students.
  • His profound experience irradiated his understanding of the ancient text.

Advanced Usage

• "to be irradiated with": To be filled or suffused with a particular quality, often light or emotion.
  • Her face was irradiated with joy when she heard the news.

Variants and Related Words

• Irradiation (noun): The process or state of being irradiated.

  • Food irradiation is a common safety practice.
  • The irradiation of the landscape by the full moon was breathtaking.

• Irradiant (adjective): Emitting rays of light; shining brightly.

  • The irradiant full moon lit up the night.

Synonyms

• Illuminate: To light up or make clear.
• Expose: To subject to (radiation).
• Enlighten: To give intellectual or spiritual light to.
• Bathe in light: To cover or suffuse with light.

Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs

(This word is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically conveyed directly.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that use the word "irradiate" as their core component.)

Verb

1. expose to radiation
   • irradiate food
2. cast rays of light upon
3. give spiritual insight to; in religion