Is pulverize a formal word?

It is fairly formal and often used in science, writing, or strong descriptions.

What is the difference between pulverize and crush?

Crush means press or break something. Pulverize means reduce it to very small pieces or powder.

Can pulverize be used for people or teams?

Yes. It can mean defeat someone completely, especially in sports or argument.

← Dictionary

pulverize

/ˈpʌl.və.raɪz/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To crush something into very small pieces or powder. It can also mean to destroy something completely.

The machine pulverizes the grains.
The fire pulverized the old house.

Adinary Nuance

Pulverize is stronger than break or crush. It suggests turning something into dust, powder, or tiny pieces. In writing, it can also mean complete defeat or destruction, which is more forceful than damage or defeat.

In other languages

Vietnamese: nghiền nát
Spanish: pulverizar
Chinese: 粉碎
Japanese: 粉砕する
Korean: 분쇄하다

Etymology

Pulverize comes from Latin pulverizare, from pulvis, meaning "dust" or "powder." It entered English in the 17th century.

Common phrases

pulverize into powderpulverize the competitionpulverize rockspulverize completely

Synonyms

crush grind smash destroy

Related words

powder crumble break demolish

Frequently asked questions

Is pulverize a formal word?: It is fairly formal and often used in science, writing, or strong descriptions.
What is the difference between pulverize and crush?: Crush means press or break something. Pulverize means reduce it to very small pieces or powder.
Can pulverize be used for people or teams?: Yes. It can mean defeat someone completely, especially in sports or argument.