pulverize

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to reduce (as by crushing, beating, or grinding) to very small particles : atomize
pulverize rock
2
: annihilate, demolish

intransitive verb

: to become pulverized
pulverizable
ˌpəl-və-ˈrī-zə-bəl How to pronounce pulverize (audio)
adjective
pulverization
ˌpəl-və-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce pulverize (audio)
ˌpəlv-rə-
noun
pulverizer
ˈpəl-və-ˌrī-zər How to pronounce pulverize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of pulverize

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Examples of pulverize in a Sentence

The mower pulverizes grass clippings. Bits of pulverized rock filled the air.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mortar and Pestle Step away from the cute portable blender or countertop blending beast, because the old-fashioned way to pulverize something is oftentimes best. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026 Portions of its skeleton featured pulverizing bite marks and missing chunks that all bore the hallmark signs of another predatory attack. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 This would lead to massive deceleration forces that instantly pulverize standard tracking electronics, leaving search teams completely blind. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 When the missile came, the explosion pulverized the building so completely that many victims could not immediately be identified. — Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pulverize

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

Rhymes for pulverize

See All Rhymes for pulverize

Browse Nearby Words

pulverizable
pulverize
pulverized sugar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pulverize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulverize. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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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
ˈpəl-və-ˌrīz How to pronounce pulverize (audio)
pulverized also British pulverised; pulverizing also British pulverising

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to become pulverized

More from Merriam-Webster on pulverize

Nglish: Translation of pulverize for Spanish Speakers

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