sublimate

Meaning

Verb

1. (transitive) To heat (a substance) in a container so as to convert it into a gas which then condenses in solid form on cooler parts of the container.
2. (transitive) To heat (a substance) in a container so as to convert it into a gas which then condenses in solid form on cooler parts of the container.
3. (broadly, figuratively, transitive) To refine (something) until it disappears or loses all meaning.
4. (broadly, figuratively, transitive) To modify (the natural expression of a sexual or primitive instinct) in a socially acceptable manner; to divert the energy of (such an instinct) into some acceptable activity.
5. (archaic, broadly, figuratively, transitive) To obtain (something) through, or as if through, sublimation.
6. (archaic, broadly, figuratively, transitive) To purify or refine (a substance).
7. (also, broadly, figuratively, transitive) Synonym of sublime.
8. (broadly, figuratively, transitive) Synonym of sublime.
9. (intransitive) Of a substance: to change from a solid into a gas without passing through the liquid state, with or without being heated.
10. (intransitive) Of a substance: to change from a gas into a solid without passing through the liquid state.
11. (figuratively, intransitive) To modify the natural expression of a sexual or primitive instinct in a socially acceptable manner; to divert the energy of such an instinct into some acceptable activity.
12. (figuratively, intransitive) Synonym of sublime (“to become higher in quality or status; to improve”).

Noun

A product obtained by sublimation.

Synonyms

sublime

purify

rarefy

subtilize

vaporize

idealize

make pure

distill

elevate

redirect

refine

retort

sublimation

subliming

corrosive sublimate

boil

be puristic

bowdlerize

calcine

chasten

distil

divert

exalt

lustrate

purge

Translations

sublimer

sublimar

sublimar

sublimieren

sublimare

sublimar

sublimeren

sublimaat

εξαγνίζω

سامى

honorer

تصعد

تسامى

purifier

arıtma

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: sublymate

In summary

From Middle English sublymate, from Latin sublīmātus, past participle of sublīmāre (“to raise, elevate”).