atomize

verb

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Hellenic *ə- Ancient Greek ἀ- (a-) Proto-Indo-European *temh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-né- Ancient Greek τέμνω (témnō) Proto-Indo-European *-ós Proto-Hellenic *-ós ▲ Ancient Greek -ος (-os)influ. Ancient Greek -ός (-ós) Ancient Greek *τομός (*tomós) Ancient Greek ἄτομος (átomos)bor. Latin atomusbor. Middle French athomebor. Middle English attome English atom Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō)bor. Late Latin -izōder. Middle French -iserbor. Middle English -isen English -ize English atomize From atom + -ize.

1. To separate or reduce into atoms.
2. To make into a fine spray.

   “Near-synonyms: aerosolize, vaporize”

3. To fragment; to break into small pieces or concepts.

   “Near-synonyms: anatomize, analyze, scrutinize”

   “An organism is then atomized into 'traits' and these traits are explained as structures optimally designed by natural selection for their functions.”

4. To deprive of community and political capital.

   “Near-synonym: disunite”

5. To bomb with nuclear weapons.

   “Near-synonyms: pulverize, annihilate”