vaporize
Verb (transitive):
- To convert a substance into vapor: To cause a liquid or solid to change into a gas, often through the application of heat.
- To cause to disappear or be destroyed suddenly and completely: To annihilate or obliterate something, often in a dramatic or forceful manner.
Verb (intransitive):
- To become vapor: To change from a liquid or solid state into a gas.
- To disappear suddenly: To vanish or dissipate rapidly.
Verb (transitive): The intense heat will vaporize the water instantly.The laser was designed to vaporize the target with precision.
Verb (intransitive): The spilled acetone began to vaporize quickly in the warm room.His savings seemed to vaporize after the market crash.
In scientific/technical contexts: Often used to describe a phase change, distinct from simple evaporation, typically involving high energy or a rapid process. In the experiment, they used a high-powered laser to vaporize a small sample of the metal for analysis.
In figurative or hyperbolic contexts: Used to describe the sudden and total loss or destruction of something non-physical. The scandal vaporized his political career overnight.
Vaporization (n): The process of vaporizing. The vaporization of the compound occurs at 200 degrees Celsius.
Vapor (n): The gaseous state of a substance. Water vapor is invisible.
Evaporate (v): A close synonym, though often implying a slower, more natural process, typically from a liquid to a gas. The puddle will evaporate in the sun.
- Evaporate: To change from a liquid to a vapor.
- Gasify: To convert into a gas.
- Volatilize: To cause to evaporate or disperse as vapor (more technical).
- Annihilate: To destroy utterly (for the "destroy" sense).
- Vanish: To disappear suddenly (for the "disappear" sense).
(This word is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically conveyed directly.)
(There are no common idioms centered specifically on the word "vaporize." Its figurative uses, as shown in advanced usage, function as direct metaphorical applications.)
- decrease rapidly and disappear
- the money vanished in las Vegas
- all my stock assets have vaporized
- lose or cause to lose liquid by vaporization leaving a more concentrated residue
- evaporate milk
- turn into gas
- The substance gasified
- kill with or as if with a burst of gunfire or electric current or as if by shooting
- in this computer game, space travellers are vaporized by aliens