verb

ionise

to ionize

The gas was ionised by the radiation.

The gas was ionized by the radiation.

High energy can ionise an atom.

High energy can ionize an atom.

((sth.)) to convert (sth.) into an ion or ions. High energy can ionize an atom.

Synonyms: charge, electrify; Antonyms: deionize, neutralize

From 'ion' (from Greek 'ion', meaning 'going') + the verb-forming suffix '-ize'.

Imagine an 'ion' getting a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. To 'ionize' is to give it this charge.

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