atomize
verbUK /ˈætəmaɪz/ · US /ˈætəmaɪz/
Etymology From atom + -ize.
1
To separate or reduce into atoms.
2
To make into a fine spray.
- Near-synonyms: aerosolize, vaporize
3
To fragment; to break into small pieces or concepts.
- Near-synonyms: anatomize, analyze, scrutinize
- An organism is then atomized into 'traits' and these traits are explained as structures optimally designed by natural selection for their functions.1979, Gould, Stephen J., and Richard C. Lewontin. "The Spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian Paradigm: A Critique of the Adaptationist Programme." Proceedings of the Royal Society of London 205: p. 585
4
Government, Politics Of people To deprive of community and political capital.
- Near-synonym: disunite
5
To bomb with nuclear weapons.
- Near-synonyms: pulverize, annihilate
- Derived terms
- atomizability, atomizable, atomization, atomizer
- Related terms
- dissociate