'vaporize' originates from the Latin word 'vapor,' meaning 'steam or mist,' combined with the suffix '-ize,' which indicates a process or action.

'vapor' transformed into the French word 'vaporiser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'vaporize' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to turn into steam or mist,' but over time it evolved to include the meaning of 'destroy completely.'