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to convert (an element) into an ; combine with oxygen.
to cover with a coating of or rust.
to take away hydrogen, as by the action of oxygen; add oxygen or any nonmetal.
to remove electrons from (an atom or molecule), thereby increasing the valence.
Compare (def 12).
to become oxidized.
(especially of white wine) to lose freshness after prolonged exposure to air and often to darken in color.
Contemporary Examples

Of course, this causes the nail clippers to oxidize and the water turns rusty, but it boils.
Tales of a Jailhouse Gourmet: How I learned to Cook in Prison Daniel Genis June 20, 2014

Historical Examples

In dry and cold air, iron does not oxidize, but when the air is dry and moist, it oxidizes rapidly.
A System of Instruction in the Practical Use of the Blowpipe Anonymous

The lead may begin to oxidize if this is done and make it difficult to do a good job.
The Automobile Storage Battery O. A. Witte

But these contact points would soon oxidize, so naturally I prefer some conducting material which will not oxidize.
Scientific American, Vol. XXXIX.No. 6. [New Series.], August 10, 1878 Various

When it hit that blue ship, you could almost see it oxidize before your eyes.
Acid Bath Vaseleos Garson

The bead must be cooled very suddenly, for if it cools too slowly, it then has time to oxidize again.
A System of Instruction in the Practical Use of the Blowpipe Anonymous

We take in fuel and oxidize it, using the heat as our source of power.
The Black Star Passes John W Campbell

In addition we know of many substances which oxidize by taking up oxygen without giving off CO2.
The Nature of Animal Light E. Newton Harvey

Sugar will oxidize readily, and in so doing will yield abundant power.
Physiology Ernest G. Martin

The effect is to cause the surface exposed to dentin to oxidize more than tin would do alone; in that there is a benefit.
Tin Foil and Its Combinations for Filling Teeth Henry L. Ambler

verb
to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen, as in formation of an oxide
to form or cause to form a layer of metal oxide, as in rusting
to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms
to undergo or cause to undergo a decrease in the number of electrons Compare reduce (sense 12c)
v.

1802 (implied in oxidizable), from oxide + -ize. Related: Oxidized; oxidizing; oxidization.

oxidize ox·i·dize (ŏk’sĭ-dīz’)
v. ox·i·dized, ox·i·diz·ing, ox·i·diz·es

To combine with oxygen; change into an oxide.

To increase the positive charge or valence of an element by removing electrons.

oxidize
(ŏk’sĭ-dīz’)
To undergo or cause to undergo oxidation.