catalyze

verb

cat·​a·​lyze ˈka-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce catalyze (audio)
catalyzed; catalyzing

transitive verb

1
: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)
an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of the sugars
2
: bring about, inspire
his vigorous efforts to catalyze us into activityHarrison Brown
3
: to alter significantly by or as if by catalysis
innovations in basic chemical theory that have catalyzed the fieldNewsweek
catalyzer noun

Examples of catalyze in a Sentence

a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, Aditya Shah’s work has catalyzed positive change in this iconic metropolis. William Mullane, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 When most of us see a news story about a natural disaster, read a report about racial violence, or see the latest statistics about the gender wealth gap, we aren’t catalyzed to action because these are just the latest in a long string of big, complicated problems. Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Successes like Bezos’ or countless other CEOs are usually catalyzed by failures. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024 Now, as a Bears rookie, Williams has catalyzed a 4-2 start and has much of a passionate fan base believing the never-ending search for a QB savior may be over. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for catalyze 

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalyze was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near catalyze

Cite this Entry

“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

catalyze

verb
cat·​a·​lyze ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce catalyze (audio)
catalyzed; catalyzing
: to bring about or produce by chemical catalysis

Medical Definition

catalyze

transitive verb
cat·​a·​lyze
variants or British catalyse
catalyzed or British catalysed; catalyzing or British catalysing
: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)
catalyzer noun
or British catalyser
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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