irradiate

verb

ir·​ra·​di·​ate i-ˈrā-dē-ˌāt 

irradiated; irradiating

transitive verb

1

a

: to affect or treat by radiant energy (such as heat)

specifically : to treat by irradiation

b

: to cast rays of light upon : illuminate

c

: to enlighten intellectually or spiritually

2

: to emit like rays of light : radiate

irradiating strength and comfort

intransitive verb

archaic : to emit rays : shine

irradiative

i-ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

irradiator

i-ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• bathe
• beacon
• emblaze
• illume
• illuminate
• illumine
• light
• lighten

Examples of irradiate in a Sentence

The food was irradiated to kill any germs.

the light from a galaxy of flashing signs irradiates the heart and soul of Las Vegas

Recent Examples on the Web

Where does slushy brine erupt onto the surface, and where do irradiated ice chunks sink into the depths? —Jay Bennett, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024

Instead of using cobalt or other radioactive materials, Wilson’s team uses an X-ray machine to irradiate the pests. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2024

More than a million breasts stitched, scanned, marked with red-and-blue drawings, irradiated, reconstructed, hidden under blouses and T-shirts, invisible. —Annie Ernaux, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

Then, they’re irradiated with high-energy electrons to create what’s known as a nitrogen-vacancy defect, which can be used to hold quantum information. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin irradiatus, past participle of irradiare, from in- + radius ray

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Kids Definition

irradiate

verb

ir·​ra·​di·​ate ir-ˈād-ē-ˌāt 

irradiated; irradiating

1

a

: to cast rays of light on : illuminate

b

: to affect or treat by exposure to radiation (as of ultraviolet light, X-rays, or gamma rays)

2

: to give off like rays of light : radiate

irradiation

-ˌād-ē-ˈā-shən

noun

Medical Definition

irradiate

transitive verb

ir·​ra·​di·​ate ir-ˈād-ē-ˌāt 

irradiated; irradiating

: to affect or treat by radiant energy (as heat)

specifically : to treat by exposure to radiation (as ultraviolet light or gamma rays)