oxidize

/ˌɑksəˈdaɪz/

Other forms: oxidized; oxidizing; oxidizes

To oxidize is to chemically combine with oxygen. If you have a rusty car, that is the result of "oxidizing."

In chemistry class, you'll probably learn about oxidizing, which is when oxygen molecules combine with other molecules to produce an oxide. The most common example of oxidizing is rusting: oxygen interacts with iron molecules to produce the new (and unwelcome) iron oxide molecules, better known as rust. There are other types of oxidizing too, such as how the oxygen in our bodies is used to break down sugars. Oxidizing is a type of chemical reaction.

Definitions of oxidize

1. verb

   enter into a combination with oxygen or become converted into an oxide
   “This metal oxidizes easily”

   synonyms: oxidate, oxidise

   oxidate, oxidise

   add oxygen to or combine with oxygen

   types:

   rust

   become coated with oxide

   type of:

   change

   undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
2. verb

   add oxygen to or combine with oxygen
   synonyms: oxidate, oxidise

   oxidate, oxidise

   enter into a combination with oxygen or become converted into an oxide

   rust

   become coated with oxide

   antonyms:

   deoxidize

   to remove oxygen from a compound, or cause to react with hydrogen or form a hydride, or to undergo an increase in the number of electrons

   types:

   catabolise, catabolize

   subject to catabolism

   breathe

   reach full flavor by absorbing air and being let to stand after having been uncorked

   type of:

   change

   undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation