demagnetize, v.
(diːˈmægnɪtaɪz)
[de- II. 1.]
1. trans. To deprive of magnetic quality.
| 1839 Brit. Pat. 8255 2 My said invented improvements consists [sic] in employing, as my prime movers, a series of electro-magnets, which are alternately..magnetized and demagnetized. 1842–3 Grove Corr. Phys. Forces (1887) 56 We must magnetise and demagnetise in order to produce a continuous mechanical effect. 1887 Times 9 Sept. 14/5 Hot air traversing the discs and rolls demagnetizes the discs. |
| fig. 1875 Sears Serm. Chr. Life 43 People whose wills have been demagnetized. |
† 2. To free from ‘magnetic’ or mesmeric influence; to demesmerize.
Obs.| 1850 W. Gregory Lett. Anim. Magnetism 106 This she ascribed to her not having been demagnetised, and it continued next morning. |
Hence
deˈmagnetizing vbl. n.;
deˌmagnetiˈzation, the action or process of demagnetizing.
| 1843 Rep. Brit. Assoc. 27 The de-magnetizings produced by operations which serve also to magnetize. 1864 Webster, Demagnetization. 1872 F. L. Pope Electr. Tel. ii. (1872) 23 The act of demagnetization requires time, but is effected more rapidly than magnetization. |