oxidize
verb
ox·i·dize
ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz 
oxidized; oxidizing
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
R. MonasterskyShould the cork be allowed to dry out, it will shrink and allow air to seep in and oxidize the wine.—Peter D. Meltzer
Peter D. Meltzer2
: 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)
Chemical & Engineering Newsoxidize metallic copper to ionic copper
: to become oxidized
Fats can either oxidize (combine with oxygen) or hydrolyze (combine with water) to become rancid.—Shirley Corriher
Shirley CorriherSilver does not oxidize, or rust, on exposure to air. In fact, compared with most other elements, it is not particularly reactive.—C. Claiborne Ray
C. Claiborne RayExamples of oxidize in a Sentence
The paint oxidizes and discolors rapidly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Roasting must be done carefully; too much heat can cause fats in nuts to oxidize, leading to a rancid taste and poor quality.3
Compared to raw nuts, roasted nuts may have slightly more carbohydrates.3 The way nuts are processed also affects their energy content.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Jan. 2025
Wine begins to oxidize the second a bottle is opened, and a stopper can go a long way in slowing down that process.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024
As the wine pulls through the spout, the wine opens up and slightly oxidizes.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Once opened however, old Vintage Port oxidizes quickly, part of its charm.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oxidize 
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Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Jan. 2025
Wine begins to oxidize the second a bottle is opened, and a stopper can go a long way in slowing down that process.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024
As the wine pulls through the spout, the wine opens up and slightly oxidizes.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Once opened however, old Vintage Port oxidizes quickly, part of its charm.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oxidize
Dictionary Entries Near oxidize
Cite this Entry
“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidize. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
oxidized also British oxidised; oxidizing also British oxidising
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)
: to become oxidized
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