pixelate

present singular third person pixelates · participle present pixelating · participle past pixelated · past pixelated · alternative pixellate

1. To divide an image into pixels, or to display an image in pixels.

   I could have used the camera's digital zoom, but digital zooms tend to soften and pixelate an image.

   2011, Rick Sammon, Confessions of a Compact Camera Shooter, John Wiley & Sons, →ISBN, page 26

   1 more example

   In a fittingly modern use of mosaic tile, Tord Boontje pixelates his signature floral designs in a new collection of storage furniture for Bisazza Home.

   2009 August 19, Andreas Kokkino, “Best in Show”, in New York Times

2. To transform an image (or a portion thereof) into large pixels, especially in order to hide details.

   Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have reached a settlement with Mail Online that includes an agreement to pixelate photos of their children.

   2017 August 25, Mark Sweney, “Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis settle legal dispute with Mail Online”, in The Guardian

   1 more example

   Fox TV has decided to pixelate a bare derriere in a cartoon series, The Family Guy, which was originally broadcast five years ago with no complaints.

   2005 January 18, Dominic Timms, “Fearful US TV networks censor more shows”, in The Guardian