irradiate
UK: ɪˈreɪdɪeɪt | US: ɪˈreɪdiˌeɪt
vt. to expose to radiation (e.g., light, heat, or other forms of energy)
vt. to illuminate or brighten something
vt. (figurative) to spread or diffuse (e.g., knowledge, happiness)
irradiate = ir<in, into> + radi<ray> + ate<verb suffix>
- ir (variant of "in," meaning "into" or "toward," from Latin in-)
- radi (from Latin radius, meaning "ray" or "beam")
- ate (verb-forming suffix indicating action, from Latin -atus)
Etymology Origin:
The word "irradiate" originates from Latin irradiatus, the past participle of irradiare ("to shine upon"). It combines in- (intensifying "into") and radius ("ray"), reflecting the idea of sending rays of light or energy into something. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to include spreading intangible qualities like knowledge or joy.
The sun irradiates the Earth with warmth and light.
Scientists irradiate food to kill harmful bacteria.
Her smile seemed to irradiate the entire room.
The lab uses gamma rays to irradiate medical equipment for sterilization.
His teachings irradiated wisdom to generations of students.