1. to introduce one or more halogen atoms into a molecule or compound
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• The chemist will halogenate the organic compound by adding chlorine.
• Halogenating the benzene ring produces a more reactive intermediate.
• The process halogenates the hydrocarbon in the presence of a catalyst.
• Researchers halogenated the polymer to improve its flame resistance.
• When you halogenate the alkane, you replace hydrogen atoms with halogen atoms.