passivate
|pas-si-vate|
/ˈpæsɪveɪt/
make passive / render inert
Etymology
'passivate' originates from the modern English formation combining the adjective 'passive' and the verb-forming suffix '-ate'; 'passive' itself comes from Latin 'passivus' (from 'pati', to suffer or allow).
'passive' entered English via Old French/Latin influence (from Latin 'passivus'), and the productive English suffix '-ate' (from Latin '-atus') was attached in technical/modern usage to create the verb 'passivate' in the 19th–20th century, leading to the specialized senses in metallurgy and electronics.
Initially formed to mean 'make passive' in a general sense; over time it acquired specialized technical meanings such as 'render chemically inert (metal surfaces)' and 'render electrically inactive (semiconductor surfaces)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to treat the surface of a metal so that it becomes less chemically reactive, typically by forming a protective oxide or inert layer.
The stainless steel components were passivated to improve corrosion resistance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
in semiconductor and surface science contexts, to render surface states or dangling bonds electrically inactive (e.g., by hydrogenation), thereby reducing recombination or unwanted activity.
Hydrogen is often used to passivate silicon surfaces in device fabrication.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 3
to make someone or something passive or less responsive; to reduce activity, responsiveness, or aggressiveness.
Excessive bureaucracy can passivate employees and stifle initiative.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/24 16:56