oxidize

verb

ox·​i·​dize ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz 

oxidized; oxidizing

transitive verb

1

: to combine with oxygen

Other chemicals then oxidize the sulfur dioxide to form sulfuric acid, which along with the nitric acid increases the acidity of the dewdrop.

—R. Monastersky

Should the cork be allowed to dry out, it will shrink and allow air to seep in and oxidize the wine.

—Peter D. Meltzer

2

: to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen

oxidize an alcohol to an aldehyde

3

: to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence

What mix of products is formed is a function of the electrode potential used to oxidize the chloride ion.

—Chemical & Engineering News

: remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)

oxidize metallic copper to ionic copper

intransitive verb

: to become oxidized

Fats can either oxidize (combine with oxygen) or hydrolyze (combine with water) to become rancid.

—Shirley Corriher

Silver does not oxidize, or rust, on exposure to air. In fact, compared with most other elements, it is not particularly reactive.

—C. Claiborne Ray

oxidizable

ˌäk-sə-ˈdī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of oxidize in a Sentence

The paint oxidizes and discolors rapidly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Metals also oxidize in the aqueous environment of the brain, which can lead them to degrade over time. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 26 Sep. 2024

Then, rinse the cloth well, wring it out, and go over the area to remove soap residue, which can oxidize and create a stain of its own if left on the felt. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2024

For example, panels of fabric on display at the company’s showrooms in Kyoto are shot with silver leaf that has been oxidizing for more than 40 years, its patina and texture forever evolving. —Miles Socha, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

To keep their golden color, sultanas are treated with sulfur dioxide, a bleaching preservative that prevents them from oxidizing (turning brown) and retains their quality and uniform color. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing oxidize

• re-oxidize

Kids Definition

oxidize

verb

ox·​i·​dize ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz 

oxidized; oxidizing

1

: to combine with oxygen

2

: to remove hydrogen from especially by the action of oxygen

3

: to remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)

4

: to become oxidized

oxidizer noun

Medical Definition

oxidize

verb

ox·​i·​dize

variants also British oxidise

ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz 

oxidized also British oxidised; oxidizing also British oxidising

transitive verb

1

: to combine with oxygen

2

: to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen

3

: to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence : remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)

intransitive verb

: to become oxidized

oxidizable

-ˌdī-zə-bəl 

adjective