crystallize

especially British, crys·tal·lise

[kris-tl-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

crystallized, crystallizing 

1. to form into crystals; cause to assume crystalline form.

2. to give definite or concrete form to.

   to crystallize an idea.

3. to coat with sugar.

verb (used without object)

crystallized, crystallizing 

1. to form crystals; become crystalline in form.

2. to assume definite or concrete form.

crystallize

/ ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to form or cause to form crystals; assume or cause to assume a crystalline form or structure

2. to coat or become coated with sugar

   crystallized fruit

3. to give a definite form or expression to (an idea, argument, etc) or (of an idea, argument, etc) to assume a recognizable or definite form

Other Word Forms

• crystallization noun
• crystallizer noun
• crystallizable adjective
• crystallizability noun
• noncrystallizable adjective
• noncrystallized adjective
• noncrystallizing adjective
• uncrystallizable adjective
• uncrystallized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crystallize¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; crystall- + -ize

Example Sentences

Arguably the rise in small boat crossings since 2018 has been a major factor in crystallizing voters' concerns.

From BBC

Making the documentary about his parents, an idea that crystallized after his father died in 2020, reinforced that belief.

From Los Angeles Times

As midnight approached, the psychic tension in the room crystallized into apocalyptic terror.

From Salon

Jokes aside, it crystallized why I felt so queasy, listening to prayers and programs that reduced the "trials" of Christian life to squabbles with neighbors and nuisances at work.

From Salon

This idea that I needed to speak freely crystallized pretty quickly, especially in the climate we’re in with Gaza, the return of Trump, fascism.

From Los Angeles Times