verb
pulverize
Pulverize (verb) means to crush something into fine powder or dust. Example: “The machine pulverizes rock into gravel.”
verb
1
To crush something into fine powder or dust.
"The machine pulverizes rock into gravel."
"Grind the spices until pulverized."
2
To defeat someone or something thoroughly and decisively.
"The champion pulverized his opponent in the third round."
How to use pulverize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo crush into dust, or to utterly crush an opponent.
UK vs US
"Pulverise" is the standard British spelling; "pulverize" is American and also accepted by Oxford style.
Common pairings
pulverize into powder
pulverize the competition
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like pulverize.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- pulverizes
- Past tense
- pulverized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The machine _____ rock into gravel.
Etymology
From Latin pulverizare, from pulvis, "dust."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for pulverize
See all rhymes for pulverize →Frequently asked questions
What does “pulverize” mean?
The word “pulverize” means to crush something into fine powder or dust. In plain terms, to crush into dust, or to utterly crush an opponent.
How do you use “pulverize” in a sentence?
Here is “pulverize” used in a sentence: “The machine pulverizes rock into gravel.”
What part of speech is “pulverize”?
“Pulverize” is a verb.
Where does the word “pulverize” come from?
The word “pulverize” comes from Latin. From Latin pulverizare, from pulvis, "dust.".
How many meanings does “pulverize” have?
“Pulverize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to crush something into fine powder or dust.
