verb
pulverize
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
Word Forms
pulverized past tense, pulverizes singular
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Etymology
From Latin pulverizare, from pulvis, "dust."