demist
B2Neutral; slightly more common in everyday/technical use than formal writing.
Definition
Meaning
To remove condensation or mist from a surface.
To make something clear or visible by eliminating a layer of moisture or obscuring film.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily transitive, most often used regarding car windscreens/windshields and glass surfaces. Implies the action of clearing an existing mist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'demist' is common and standard in British English. In American English, 'defog' is the more typical equivalent, though 'demist' is understood.
Connotations
In BrE, it has neutral, practical connotations related to cars and bathrooms. In AmE, it may sound slightly British.
Frequency
Much more frequent in BrE than AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (Someone demists something.)SV (The device demists.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'demist']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, unless in the context of product features (e.g., 'Heated mirrors to demist automatically').
Academic
Rare; a technical term in some engineering contexts.
Everyday
Common in UK driving contexts and household situations (bathrooms, kitchens).
Technical
Used in automotive and appliance manuals/descriptions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I had to demist the windscreen before I could drive.
- This new heater will demist the bathroom mirror in seconds.
American English
- She turned on the defroster to demist the windshield.
- The anti-fog coating helps demist your ski goggles.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Demisting' as a gerund/participle: 'Use the demisting function.']
American English
- [No standard adjective form.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is cold. The window has mist. I demist the window.
- Before you drive, you should demist all the car windows.
- The car's ventilation system automatically demists the windscreen when it senses condensation.
- Advanced demisting technology in modern vehicles uses sensors to pre-emptively clear the glass.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"DE-MIST" – think 'DE'-removing the 'MIST' from your view.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLARITY IS VISIBILITY (removing mist makes things clear, akin to clarifying a situation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'туман' (mist как noun) – это глагол действия. Непереводимо одним словом, часто требует описания: 'убирать пар/запотевание'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'demist' as a noun (e.g., 'put on the demist' instead of 'put on the demister').
- Confusing 'demist' (remove mist) with 'dismiss' (send away).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'demist' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In practical use, they are often synonymous. 'Demist' is strongly preferred in British English, while 'defog' is standard in American English. 'Demist' specifically refers to removing fine droplets (mist), while 'defog' can imply a thicker obscuration.
No, it is a neutral, functional word most common in everyday and technical contexts (like car manuals). It is rarely used in formal writing.
It is primarily literal. Figurative use (e.g., 'demist a complex problem') is possible but uncommon and considered a creative extension.
The related noun is 'demister' (BrE) for the device that performs the action, or 'demisting' for the process (e.g., 'the demisting of the screen').