Standard Lemma guide

zombify

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈzɒmbɪˌfaɪ/
  • General-American: /ˈzɑmbɪˌfaɪ/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To turn into a zombie (a member of the living dead or undead).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: fiction, literature, media, publishing

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To take control of (a computer) in order to use it covertly and illicitly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

Examples

  • These trojans can zombify your machine.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To deprive of authenticity or vitality; to render someone brainless or unthinking.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From zombie + -fy.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Esperanto: zombiigi — To turn into a zombie
  • French: zombifier — To turn into a zombie
  • Italian: zombificare — To turn into a zombie
  • Latvian: zombēt — To turn into a zombie
  • Portuguese: zumbificar — To turn into a zombie
  • Portuguese: zombificar — To turn into a zombie
  • Romanian: zombifica — To turn into a zombie
  • Russian: зомби́ровать (zombírovatʹ) — To turn into a zombie
  • Swedish: zombifiera — To turn into a zombie
  • Turkish: zombileşmek — To turn into a zombie
  • Ukrainian: зомбува́ти (zombuváty) — To turn into a zombie