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Pulverize - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Pulverize means to crush or grind something into a fine powder or tiny pieces, often using force. It can also describe completely destroying or defeating something, whether physically or metaphorically.

pulverize

/ˈpʌlvəˌraɪz/ /ˈpʌlvəraɪz/

Definition:

To crush or grind something into fine particles or powder.

Synonyms:

crush, grind, demolish, shatter, annihilate

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

assemble, construct, build

Common Collocations:

pulverize rocks, pulverize food, pulverize opposition

Derivatives:

pulverization, pulverizer

Usage Tips:

Use "pulverize" for extreme crushing, often to a powdery state; avoid for light breaking or minor damage.

Common Phrases:

pulverize the competition, pulverize into dust, pulverize to nothing

Etymology:

From Latin *pulverizare*, meaning "to reduce to powder," derived from *pulvis* (dust).

Examples:

  • 1. The machine can pulverize rocks into fine sand.
  • 2. She used a blender to pulverize the spices for the recipe.
  • 3. The boxer aimed to pulverize his opponent in the first round.
  • 4. The hurricane’s winds threatened to pulverize the small coastal town.

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