Definition

To make something lose its physical form or substance, often causing it to become invisible or immaterial.

Example

The magician seemed to dematerialize the rabbit from the hat in an instant.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen a magician make something dematerialize?

Yeah, it's really fascinating how they do that!

I wonder if they use mirrors to make objects dematerialize like in those tricks.

That makes sense! It gives the illusion of disappearing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dematerialize → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "materialis" (from Latin, meaning material or substance). The word means to remove or take away the material substance of something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('de-') the 'substance' ('materialis') of an object — that's why dematerialize means to make something immaterial.

Visually Confused Words