Irradiate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /i-ˈrā-dē-ˌāt/ ir·ra·di·ate

Meaning & Definition of Irradiate

Irradiate (verb)

  1. to affect or treat by radiant energy (such as heat); specifically, to treat by irradiation
  2. to cast rays of light upon, illuminate
  3. to enlighten intellectually or spiritually

Irradiate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to supply with light

    "the light from a galaxy of flashing signs irradiates the heart and soul of Las Vegas"

    similar: bathe, beacon, emblaze, illume, illuminate, illumine, light, lighten
    related: brighten, beam, beat (down), radiate, shine, enhalo, halo, floodlight, highlight, spotlight, blaze, burn, fire, flame, glare, glow, ignite, incinerate, kindle, bedazzle, blind, daze, dazzle, gleam, glisten, glitter
    opposite: blacken, darken, obfuscate
    near: dim, dull, obscure, cover, shroud, veil, douse, extinguish, put out, quench, snuff (out)

  2. to throw or give off

    "irradiating an aura of supreme confidence on the playing field"

    similar: cast, discharge, emanate, emit, evolve, exhale, expel, expire (archaic), give out, issue, radiate, release, send (out), shoot, throw out, vent
    related: eliminate, evacuate, excrete, exude, ooze, secrete, eject, erupt, gush, jet, outpour, pour, spew, spout, spray, spurt, squirt
    near: absorb, inhale, soak (up), sponge, suck (up), take up

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Irradiate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Irradiate:

Archaic: expire
bathe, beacon, emblaze, illume, illuminate, illumine, light, lighten, cast, discharge, emanate, emit, evolve, exhale, expel, give out, issue, radiate, release, send (out), shoot, throw out, vent

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Irradiate

Words with the opposite meaning of Irradiate:

blacken, darken, obfuscate

Related Words for Irradiate

brighten, beam, beat (down), shine, enhalo, halo, floodlight, highlight, spotlight, blaze, burn, fire, flame, glare, glow, ignite, incinerate, kindle, bedazzle, blind, daze, dazzle, gleam, glisten, glitter, eliminate, evacuate, excrete, exude, ooze

Near Antonyms of Irradiate

dim, dull, obscure, cover, shroud, veil, douse, extinguish, put out, quench, snuff (out), absorb, inhale, soak (up), sponge, suck (up), take up

Word Forms of Irradiate

Inflections: irradiated, irradiating

Derived words: irradiative (adjective), irradiator (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Irradiate

Latin irradiatus, past participle of irradiare, from in- + radius ray

First known use: 1603t

Frequently Asked Questions about Irradiate

What does "Irradiate" mean?

"Irradiate" means to affect or treat by radiant energy (such as heat); specifically, to treat by irradiation. As a verb, it is defined as: to affect or treat by radiant energy (such as heat); specifically, to treat by irradiation. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Irradiate"?

Other words for "Irradiate" include bathe, beacon, emblaze, illume, illuminate, illumine, light and lighten. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Irradiate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Irradiate"?

There are 66 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Irradiate". Common alternatives include bathe, beacon, emblaze, illume, illuminate, illumine, light, lighten, cast and discharge.

What is the opposite of "Irradiate"?

Antonyms of "Irradiate" include blacken, darken and obfuscate. Near antonyms include dim, dull, obscure and cover.

How do you use "Irradiate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Irradiate" in a sentence: "the light from a galaxy of flashing signs irradiates the heart and soul of Las Vegas"; "irradiating an aura of supreme confidence on the playing field".

Is "Irradiate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Irradiate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Irradiate"?

"Irradiate" is pronounced /i-ˈrā-dē-ˌāt/ and divided into syllables as ir·ra·di·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Irradiate"?

"Irradiate" comes from Latin irradiatus, past participle of irradiare, from in- + radius ray. First known use: 1603t.