1. to convert into carbon or a carbon residue by heating or burning
2. to become converted into carbon

Examples

• The intense heat will carbonize the wood completely.
• Ancient trees were carbonized over millions of years to form coal.
• The chef accidentally carbonized the vegetables by leaving them on the grill too long.
• High temperatures can carbonize organic materials in industrial processes.
• The fire carbonized most of the documents in the filing cabinet.
• Scientists carbonize plant matter to study its carbon content.