oxidize

/ˈɑk.sɪ.daɪz/
verb
  1. To combine with oxygen, or to cause something to combine with oxygen, often resulting in rust or a chemical change.
    • In chemistry class, we learned how iron oxidizes when it reacts with oxygen.
    • If you leave a metal tool out in the rain, it will oxidize and form rust.
    • The apple turned brown because the fruit began to oxidize when exposed to air.
  2. To lose electrons during a chemical reaction (in chemistry).
    • The scientist explained that the metal oxidizes by losing two electrons.
    • During the reaction, the copper atoms oxidize and give up electrons.
    • When a substance oxidizes, its oxidation state increases.
Antonyms
What does "oxidize" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean