'pulverize' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pulverizare,' where 'pulvis' meant 'dust.'

'pulverizare' transformed into the French word 'pulveriser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pulverize' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to reduce to dust,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to crush into powder' and 'to defeat utterly.'