
Oxidize
Non-living Things
Oxidize usually refers to non-living things like metals, not biological organisms.

The statue oxidizes over time due to rain.
Natural Process
Oxidize often implies a natural, gradual process, not something quick or instant.

Silverware tends to oxidize and tarnish with age.
Negative Connotation
The term can imply damage or degradation, as with rust or corrosion.

The old car's body has started to oxidize.
Compare with
AgeCorrodeDecayDeteriorateDisintegrateRustTarnishWeather
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