Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To cause something to have a smell or to become smelly; to add an odor to something.
   • To make something fragrant or malodorous by adding a scent.

Usage

• The verb "odorize" is used when describing the action of imparting a smell to an object or substance that may not have had one, or of changing its existing smell.
• It is often used in technical, industrial, or commercial contexts, such as in the production of gases, chemicals, or consumer products.
• It can be used with a neutral, positive, or negative connotation depending on the nature of the odor being added.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The company must odorize the natural gas so that leaks can be easily detected by smell.
  • Some manufacturers odorize their cleaning products with a lemon scent to make them more appealing.
  • The process will odorize the previously scentless air in the room.

Advanced Usage

• "to odorize something with...": to add a specific scent to something.
  • They odorized the fabric softener with a lavender extract.

Variants and Related Words

• Odorization (n): The process or act of odorizing.
  • The odorization of the fuel is a standard safety procedure.
• Deodorize (v): To remove or neutralize an unpleasant odor; the opposite action.
  • This spray is used to deodorize the refrigerator.
• Odorizer (n): A device or substance used to add an odor.
  • The odorizer injects a mercaptan compound into the gas line.

Synonyms

• Scent: To give a particular smell to something.
• Perfume: To give a pleasant, sweet smell to something.
• Fumigate: To disinfect or purify with the fumes of certain chemicals, often producing a strong odor.

Antonyms

• Deodorize: To remove or mask an odor.
• Deodorant (n): A substance that removes or prevents unpleasant odors.

Related Phrases/Idioms

(No common idioms or phrasal verbs are directly associated with the specific verb "odorize.")

Verb

1. cause to smell or be smelly