Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To cause a substance to combine with oxygen, often resulting in a chemical change such as rusting or tarnishing.
   • To remove one or more electrons from an atom, ion, or molecule during a chemical reaction.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become combined with oxygen; to undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen.
   • To become converted into an oxide; to lose electrons.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive Verb (with an object):

  • The process will oxidize the copper, turning its surface green.
  • In the battery, the chemical reaction oxidizes the zinc anode.

• Intransitive Verb (without an object):

  • Iron will oxidize rapidly when exposed to moisture and air.
  • The apple slice began to oxidize and turn brown.

Advanced Usage and Scientific Context

• In chemistry, "oxidize" is a key concept in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions. The substance that causes oxidation (the oxidizing agent) is itself reduced.
  • In this reaction, chlorine gas will oxidize the sodium metal.
• The term is also used metaphorically to describe a process of degradation or change.
  • The old community's values seemed to oxidize under the pressure of rapid modernization.

Variants and Related Words

• Oxidation (n): The process or result of oxidizing.
  • The rust is a product of oxidation.
• Oxidizer/Oxidizing Agent (n): A substance that causes oxidation by accepting electrons.
  • Liquid oxygen is a powerful oxidizer used in rocket fuel.
• Oxidizable (adj): Capable of being oxidized.
  • Copper is a less oxidizable metal than iron.
• Deoxidize (v): To remove oxygen from; the opposite process of oxidize.
  • A deoxidizing agent was added to the molten steel.

Synonyms

• Corrode: To eat away or be eaten away gradually, especially by chemical action (a common result of oxidation for metals).
• Rust: To become coated with oxide, specifically for iron or steel.
• Tarnish: To lose luster, especially of metals, due to a surface oxidation film.

Antonyms

• Reduce: (In chemistry) To cause to gain electrons or to undergo reduction, the complementary process to oxidation.
• Deoxidize: To remove oxygen from a compound.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Oxidized state: The condition of an element that has lost electrons.
  • Iron in its oxidized state (Fe³⁺) is common in rust.
• Oxidation number/state: A number assigned to an element in a compound that represents the number of electrons lost or gained.
  • The oxidation number of oxygen is typically -2.

Verb

1. add oxygen to or combine with oxygen
2. enter into a combination with oxygen or become converted into an oxide
   • This metal oxidizes easily