Dematerialize

To cease to exist in material form; to become intangible, or to disappear from physical existence. This often implies a sudden or unexpected transformation where a solid object or a physical presence dissolves, vanishes, or is converted into something non-physical, like energy or light. The process can be perceived as miraculous, technological, or even illusory, depending on the context. It suggests a transition between states of matter, crossing the boundaries of the physical world to a different plane or dimension. The term also figuratively refers to the lessening of importance or physical presence.

Dematerialize meaning with examples

• In the sci-fi film, the protagonist activated the device and watched in awe as his spaceship began to dematerialize, leaving behind only a faint shimmer of energy before it vanished completely. He was in shock from what he had witnessed and knew he was now truly alone.
• The magician's trick was so convincing that the audience swore they saw the dove dematerialize from the cage, leaving only a puff of smoke. No matter how many times the magicians were asked to repeat it, nobody could explain how they did it.
• After the intense explosion, it seemed like all matter started to dematerialize on the city streets. The event had wiped out the city, it was completely gone, there was nothing left but ashes and the ghosts of the once-present buildings.
• As the old painting crumbled, so too did the memories it held. The brush strokes began to dematerialize, the colours fading and the image dissolving into the background. It was as if its very essence was being wiped away from existence.
• The artist, aiming to make a statement on the ephemeral nature of life, created an installation where objects gradually dematerialize through carefully controlled environmental conditions, representing decay and the inevitable loss of things.