Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Carbonize \Car"bon*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Carbonized}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Carbonizing}.] [Cf. F. carboniser.]
   1. To convert (an animal or vegetable substance) into a
      residue of carbon by the action of fire or some corrosive
      agent; to char.

   2. To impregnate or combine with carbon, as in making steel
      by cementation.

Source : WordNet®

carbonize
     v 1: unite with carbon; "carburize metal" [syn: {carbonise}, {carburize},
           {carburise}]
     2: turn into carbon, as by burning; "carbonize coal" [syn: {carbonise}]