ionize
verb
ion·ize ˈī-ə-ˌnīz 
ionized; ionizing
transitive verb
: to convert wholly or partly into ions
intransitive verb
: to become ionized
ionizable
ˈī-ə-ˌnī-zə-bəl
adjective ionizer
ˈī-ə-ˌnī-zər
noun 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Cosmic rays influence pressure and temperature, drive galactic winds, and ionize molecules in star-fertile regions like supernova remnants. 
WIRED, 28 Aug. 2022 These would absorb any light at or above a wavelength that was sufficient to ionize the hydrogen, essentially making the Universe opaque to these wavelengths. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 22 July 2022 The solar radiation may ionize some of the molecules in the comet's coma, resulting in energetic electrons colliding with other molecules and releasing heat, Science Alert reports. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2021 The ensuing energetic radiation and stellar winds ionize and blow off surrounding material. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 28 June 2021 After exposure to sunlight, the vapor clouds ionize and take on a violet color. Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, 7 May 2021 After exposure to sunlight and 30 seconds have passed, the clouds will ionize and turn a violet hue, generating a magnetic field perturbation. Julia Musto, Fox News, 7 May 2021 This radiation is energetic enough to ionize them, enabling that portion of the Universe to be transparent. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2021 Ion drives use electricity to ionize propellants, which knocks electrons free from the gas. Daniel Oberhaus, Wired, 15 Oct. 2020 See More
WIRED, 28 Aug. 2022 These would absorb any light at or above a wavelength that was sufficient to ionize the hydrogen, essentially making the Universe opaque to these wavelengths. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 22 July 2022 The solar radiation may ionize some of the molecules in the comet's coma, resulting in energetic electrons colliding with other molecules and releasing heat, Science Alert reports. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2021 The ensuing energetic radiation and stellar winds ionize and blow off surrounding material. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 28 June 2021 After exposure to sunlight, the vapor clouds ionize and take on a violet color. Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, 7 May 2021 After exposure to sunlight and 30 seconds have passed, the clouds will ionize and turn a violet hue, generating a magnetic field perturbation. Julia Musto, Fox News, 7 May 2021 This radiation is energetic enough to ionize them, enabling that portion of the Universe to be transparent. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2021 Ion drives use electricity to ionize propellants, which knocks electrons free from the gas. Daniel Oberhaus, Wired, 15 Oct. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
ion + -ize, after German ionisiren (now ionisieren) or French ioniser
First Known Use
1898, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Kids Definition
ionize
verb
ion·ize ˈī-ə-ˌnīz
ionized; ionizing
: to change into ions
Medical Definition
ionize
verb
ion·ize
variants or chiefly British ionise
ˈī-ə-ˌnīz
ionized or chiefly British ionised; ionizing or chiefly British ionising
transitive verb
: to convert wholly or partly into ions
intransitive verb
: to become ionized