'oxygenize' originates from the word 'oxygen,' which comes from the French 'oxygène,' derived from Greek 'oxys' meaning 'sharp' and 'genes' meaning 'producing.'

'oxygen' was coined in the late 18th century, and 'oxygenize' was formed by adding the suffix '-ize' to denote the process of combining with oxygen.

Initially, it meant 'to supply with oxygen,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.