pulverize

verb

pul·​ver·​ize ˈpəl-və-ˌrīz How to pronounce pulverize (audio)
pulverized; pulverizing

transitive verb

1
: to reduce (as by crushing, beating, or grinding) to very small particles : atomize
pulverize rock
2
pulverizable adjective
pulverization noun
pulverizer noun

Examples of pulverize in a Sentence

The mower pulverizes grass clippings. Bits of pulverized rock filled the air.
Recent Examples on the Web Trump holds a larger 48% to 33% lead over Harris when those voters were asked about the Israel-Hamas war, which has pulverized much of the Gaza strip and threatens to expand in the Middle East. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2024 Hamas’ attack in Israel last year killed 1,200 people, seized 250 hostages, and triggered a ruthless Israeli military offensive that has pulverized the strip. Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2024 Powdered greens are hardly a new concept: Dehydrated, pulverized vegetables, sweetened with natural sugars, have been stirred into shakes and smoothies for decades. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2024 Airstrikes have pulverized the densely populated enclave, destroying infrastructure and pushing those remaining to the brink of starvation. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pulverize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pulverize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin pulverizare, from Latin pulver-, pulvis dust, powder — more at powder

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulverize was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pulverize

Cite this Entry

“Pulverize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulverize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

pulverize

verb
pul·​ver·​ize ˈpəl-və-ˌrīz How to pronounce pulverize (audio)
pulverized; pulverizing
1
: to beat or grind into a powder or dust
2
: to destroy as if by pulverizing

Medical Definition

pulverize

verb
pul·​ver·​ize
variants also British pulverise
pulverized also British pulverised; pulverizing also British pulverising

transitive verb

: to reduce (as by crushing, beating, or grinding) to very small particles

More from Merriam-Webster on pulverize

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