macerate
/ˈmæsəˌreɪt/
VERB
1. To soften or break down by soaking in liquid
To soften, break down, or separate a substance into smaller pieces by soaking it in a liquid, either heated or unheated.
1.1. Food preparation and cooking
Describes soaking fruits, vegetables, or other food ingredients in liquid to soften their texture, release juices, or develop flavor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The chef instructed his team to macerate the berries to enhance the dessert's flavor.
- The strawberries were macerated in sugar and lemon juice before being served.
- In winemaking, vintners may macerate grape skins to extract color and tannins.
Related Words
- infuse
- tenderize
- ferment
- extract
- dissolve
- flavor
- soaking
- maceration
1.2. Extracting substances through prolonged soaking
Refers to soaking herbs, plant materials, or other substances in a liquid to extract their soluble components and produce infusions, extracts, or preparations.
Synonyms
- steep
- soak
- infuse
- immerse
- marinate
- saturate
- impregnate
- permeate
Antonyms
- dehydrate
- desiccate
- dry
Examples
- The herbalist recommended macerating certain herbs to create potent infusions.
- The plant material was macerated in alcohol to extract its aromatic compounds.
- The laboratory technician allowed the leaves to macerate overnight in the solvent.
Related Words
- extraction
- infusion
- tincture
- herbal preparation
- solvent
- essence
- botanical extract
1.3. Soaking and saturating materials with liquid
Describes thoroughly wetting or saturating porous materials by immersing them in liquid so that moisture penetrates their structure.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dehumidify
- dehydrate
- desiccate
- dry
- drain
Examples
- The gardener macerated the organic materials to accelerate their decomposition.
- The fabric was left to macerate in water before further processing.
Related Words
- moisture
- absorption
- hydration
- saturation
- permeation
- infiltration
- waterlogging
VERB
2. To make someone thin or physically weakened
To cause someone to become excessively thin, emaciated, or physically weakened, particularly through prolonged deprivation, illness, or insufficient nourishment.
2.1. Emaciation and physical deterioration
Describes causing a person or animal to lose body weight and become visibly thin or physically wasted through prolonged hardship, illness, or inadequate nourishment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- strengthen
- nourish
- fatten
- invigorate
Examples
- The prolonged illness continued to macerate his body until he became extremely thin.
- The harsh conditions macerated the prisoners, leaving them weak and emaciated.
Related Words
- emaciation
- malnutrition
- starvation
- wasting
- weakness
- deprivation
- frailty
VERB
3. To weaken the body through fasting or self-denial
To discipline, weaken, or mortify the body by restricting food intake or practicing severe physical deprivation, traditionally for religious or spiritual purposes.
3.1. Religious fasting and ascetic discipline
Describes deliberately reducing physical comfort or nourishment through fasting, abstinence, and other forms of bodily discipline as an expression of religious devotion or spiritual self-control.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- indulge
- pamper
- nourish
- gratify
Examples
- The monk sought to macerate his body through prolonged fasting and prayer.
- Some religious ascetics historically macerated themselves through severe dietary restrictions.
Related Words
- asceticism
- penance
- self-denial
- abstinence
- fasting
- austerity
- spiritual discipline
- mortification