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 Sevilla hopes that his organization will catalyze a broader effort to tackle the issue. Will Henshall, TIME, 5 June 2024 Healey's $1 billion proposal aims to catalyze the economic growth around climate tech by using the successes in life sciences as a template and applying it to climate tech innovation, Hao told ABC News. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 June 2024 In Colorado, that new vision was catalyzed by climate change. Megan Kimble, New York Times, 31 May 2024 Your perspective is ripening, and this can catalyze some shifts that make your world bigger. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for catalyze 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catalyze.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 15 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!