Ionizes is a verb that refers to the process of transforming an atom or molecule into an ion by gaining or losing electrons. Some possible synonyms for this term include electrifies, charges, excites, or activates. Electrifying describes the process of adding electrification to a substance or object, while charging refers to the action of adding an electrical charge to an object or molecule. Exciting describes the process of creating an excited state in atoms or molecules, while activating refers to the process of turning on or activating something. These alternate verbs can be used interchangeably with ionizes in many contexts, providing a variety of ways to describe the same scientific process.