What does volatilize mean?
Volatilize is a formal verb with two closely related uses. In general contexts, it means to make something volatile or unstable, or to become so. It is especially used of financial markets, political conditions, and other situations characterized by rapid, unpredictable change: a surprising announcement may volatilize an already fragile market. In scientific and technical contexts, volatilize can mean to convert a substance into vapor or to become vapor, especially when heated. It is therefore related to “vaporize,” but the broader sense extends beyond the physical change of state, since something can be volatile because its behavior or circumstances are unstable. The word is more common in formal writing than in everyday conversation. Its unusual spelling and specialized uses make it recognizable, but phrases such as “make volatile,” “become volatile,” or “turn into vapor” are often clearer when general readers are the audience.
verbTo make something volatile or unstable, or to become volatile. In scientific and technical contexts, it can also mean to convert a substance into vapor or cause it to do so.
- To make something volatile or unstable, or to become volatile.
- To convert a substance into vapor, or to become vapor, especially through heating.
"The unexpected policy announcement volatilized an already fragile market."
"A wave of uncertainty volatilized the currency market."
"The solvent will volatilize as the temperature rises."
From the Latin volare, meaning “to fly,” volatilize is a word for making something take flight—or take on a volatile, unstable character.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does volatilize come from?
The verb was formed in English during the early 19th century from volatile and the suffix -ize. Volatile came through Medieval Latin volatilis, derived from Latin volare, “to fly,” and originally conveyed the idea of flying or moving lightly. Its later sense of being able to pass readily into vapor helped establish the modern scientific meaning of volatilize.
Related word forms
How volatilize is actually used
Volatilize has a formal or technical tone and is uncommon in everyday speech, where “make unstable,” “become unstable,” or “vaporize” may be more natural. Its broader sense is especially applicable to markets, political situations, and other rapidly changing circumstances.
Easily confused with volatilize
Volatilise is the usual British spelling of the same verb; volatilize is the standard spelling in American English and is also accepted in British English.