verb
irradiate
ih-RAY-dee-ayt/ɪˈreɪdieɪt/
To direct radiant energy through or over something.
Technicians irradiate medical equipment to kill germs before it is used.
Etymology
The pieces express shining or beaming upon something. Originally used for casting light on an object, irradiate later extended to exposing it to other radiation, initially X-rays.
In context
an assassin would need to protect themselves from that poison as well because external exposure is enough to potentially irradiate and poison oneself
More examples
- Some producers irradiate spices to reduce harmful bacteria.
- The researchers irradiated the sample with X-rays.
- Ultraviolet lamps irradiate the water as it passes through the chamber.
Forms
irradiate · irradiates · irradiated · irradiating
irradiation noun — The process of exposing something to radiation.
Similar words
- illuminate
- Focuses on visible light rather than other forms of radiation.
- expose
- Needs “to radiation” to specify the kind of exposure.