galvanize

gal·va·nize

verb \ˈgal-və-ˌnīz\

gal·va·nizedgal·va·niz·ing

Definition of GALVANIZE

transitive verb

1

a : to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically <galvanize a muscle>

b : to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock <an issue that would galvanize public opinion>

2

: to coat (iron or steel) with zinc; especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy

intransitive verb

: to react as if stimulated by an electric shock <they galvanized into action>

— gal·va·ni·za·tion \ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

— gal·va·niz·er \ˈgal-və-ˌnī-zər\ noun

Examples of GALVANIZE

1. The group is hoping to galvanize public opinion against the proposed law.
2. The Web site has galvanized support for the project.
3. a factory where steel is galvanized

First Known Use of GALVANIZE

1802

Related to GALVANIZE

Synonyms

charge, electrify, excite, exhilarate, thrill, intoxicate, pump up, titillate, turn on

Related Words

arouse, incite, inspire, provoke, stimulate; bewitch, captivate, charm, delight, enchant, enthrall (or enthral), hypnotize, mesmerize, rivet, spellbind; interest, intrigue, tantalize

Near Antonyms

bore, jade, pall, tire, weary; deject, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

Rhymes with GALVANIZE

advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, compromise, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exercise, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, neutralize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, otherwise, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, patronize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polarize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise

gal·va·nize

transitive verb    (Medical Dictionary)

gal·va·nizedor British ; gal·va·nised; gal·va·niz·ingor British ; gal·va·nis·ing

Medical Definition of GALVANIZE

: to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically <galvanize a muscle>

Variants of GALVANIZE

gal·va·nize or British gal·va·nise \ˈgal-və-ˌnīz\ (audio pronunciation)