zerstäuben
spray
Definition & meaning
zerstäuben is a verb meaning to atomize, spray into a fine mist, or disperse into very small particles.
- Transitive: to turn a liquid into fine droplets, as with a spray nozzle.
- Intransitive or reflexive: to break up or disperse into tiny droplets or particles.
Depending on context, it can describe liquid becoming mist or material scattering like dust.
Grammar & Word origin
A regular, inseparable-prefix verb: zerstäuben – zerstäubte – hat zerstäubt. In its transitive use, it takes the auxiliary haben.
It combines zer- —a prefix suggesting separation or breaking apart—with stäuben , related to Staub (“dust”).
Synonyms & antonyms
- vernebeln — to turn into mist or fog; often emphasizes producing a cloud of very fine droplets.
- versprühen — to spray or distribute liquid; does not necessarily imply droplets as fine as with zerstäuben.
- pulverisieren — to grind or crush into powder; usually refers to solid material rather than liquid mist.
There is no single exact antonym. Depending on the context, bündeln (“to gather or concentrate”) or sammeln (“to collect”) can express the opposite idea of dispersing.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Die Parfümflasche zerstäubt den Duft sehr fein.verb
The perfume bottle sprays the fragrance very finely.
Kannst du das Wasser gleichmäßig über die Pflanzen zerstäuben?verb
Can you spray the water evenly over the plants?
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