catalyze
verb
cat·a·lyze
ˈka-tə-ˌlīz 
catalyzed; catalyzing
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 activity—
Harrison Brown
Harrison Brown3
: to alter significantly by or as if by catalysis
innovations in basic chemical theory that have catalyzed the field—Newsweek
Newsweek
catalyzer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of catalyze in a Sentence
a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country
Recent Examples on the Web
Essentially, the synergy between the three visionaries has catalyzed Adaptive Coaching’s success.
—Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
As for weight loss, Smith said the mini stepper helps burn calories and can catalyze a weight loss journey for a sedentary person.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
In the quest to build that attacking, aggressive defense, Allen will continue to lean into his preference for playing man coverage while attempting to catalyze the Bears pass rush.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
This was catalyzed by the strong performance of Chinese startup DeepSeek’s AI release, which raised questions about U.S. leadership and the necessity of big spending within the sector.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for catalyze 
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Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
As for weight loss, Smith said the mini stepper helps burn calories and can catalyze a weight loss journey for a sedentary person.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
In the quest to build that attacking, aggressive defense, Allen will continue to lean into his preference for playing man coverage while attempting to catalyze the Bears pass rush.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
This was catalyzed by the strong performance of Chinese startup DeepSeek’s AI release, which raised questions about U.S. leadership and the necessity of big spending within the sector.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for catalyze
Dictionary Entries Near catalyze
Cite this Entry
“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
catalyze
verb
cat·a·lyze
ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌīz
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
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