Vaporize
/ˈveɪ.pə.raɪz/noun
To convert a substance into vapor or destroy it by transforming it into vapor.
Did you know?In medieval medicine, “vapors” were thought to be subtle bodily exhalations that could travel through the body and influence mood, thought, and illness.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Indo-European period
PIE?
*wep-?
“A cautiously proposed root associated with blowing or breathing; the deeper origin of Latin vapor remains uncertain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
vapor
“Steam, heat, exhalation, or vapor.”
Late Latin
Latin
vaporizare
“To turn into vapor; a verb formed from vapor with the causative suffix -izare.”
Middle French
French
vaporiser
“To convert into vapor.”
17th Century
English
vaporize
“To turn into vapor; later, to destroy or disperse completely.”
Modern English
English
vaporize
“To convert a substance into vapor or obliterate it through intense heat or energy.”