catabolize

verb

ca·​tab·​o·​lize kə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīz 

catabolized; catabolizing

transitive verb

: to subject to catabolism

intransitive verb

: to undergo catabolism

Examples of catabolize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The challenge is that, without available amino acids, the body will catabolize muscle tissue to meet energy demands. — Matthew Kayser, jsonline.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

catabol(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

circa 1926, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for catabolize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Medical Definition

catabolize

verb

ca·​tab·​o·​lize

variants or British catabolise

-ˌlīz 

catabolized or British catabolised; catabolizing or British catabolising

transitive verb

: to subject to catabolism

intransitive verb

: to undergo catabolism