catalyze

verb

cat·​a·​lyze ˈka-tə-ˌlīz 

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 activity …

—Harrison Brown

3

: to alter significantly by or as if by catalysis

… innovations in basic chemical theory that have catalyzed the field …

—Newsweek

catalyzer noun

Synonyms of catalyze

• create
• cause
• generate
• bring
• prompt
• produce
• do

Examples of catalyze in a Sentence

a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country

Recent Examples on the Web

In rich countries with more formal labor markets, such as the US and the UK, this has catalyzed the decades-long erosion of social protections under neoliberalism. —Literary Hub, 28 May 2026

The documentary will chronicle Keys’ childhood in Hell’s Kitchen, and explore how her neighborhood catalyzed her career and the musical. —Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

The ocean freight rate bump initially catalyzed by the bunker fuel spikes continues to elevate further amid signs of an early peak season on the Asia-to-Europe trade lane with more carriers implementing general rate increases in May and June. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Customer Satisfaction as the North Star Catalyst’s strategy catalyzes around a shift in how success is defined and measured. —Peter High, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for catalyze

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids 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

ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌīz 

catalyzed or British catalysed; catalyzing or British catalysing

: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)

catalyzer noun

or British catalyser