magnetize

[ mag-ni-tahyz ]
/ ˈmæg nɪˌtaɪz /

verb (used with object), mag·net·ized, mag·net·iz·ing.

to make a magnet of or impart the properties of a magnet to.
to exert an attracting or compelling influence upon: The evangelist's oratory magnetized his listeners.
Archaic. to mesmerize.
Also especially British, mag·ne·tise.

Origin of magnetize

First recorded in 1775–85; magnet + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM magnetize

mag·net·iz·er, noun non·mag·net·ized, adjective re·mag·net·ize, verb (used with object), re·mag·net·ized, re·mag·net·iz·ing. un·mag·net·ized, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for magnetize

British Dictionary definitions for magnetize

magnetize

magnetise

/ (ˈmæɡnɪˌtaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to make (a substance or object) magnetic
to attract strongly
an obsolete word for mesmerize

Derived forms of magnetize

magnetizable or magnetisable, adjective magnetization or magnetisation, noun magnetizer or magnetiser, noun

Scientific definitions for magnetize

magnetize
[ măgnĭ-tīz′ ]

To cause an object to become temporarily or permanently magnetic. For example, an unmagnetized object made of ferromagnetic material consists of molecules that are magnetic but randomly aligned, producing no net magnetic field; exposure to a magnetic field causes the molecules to align themselves with the field, producing their own net field, so that the object as a whole becomes magnetized.