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
Examples of catalyze in a Sentence
a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country
Recent Examples on the Web
Riyadh Music Week is a platform powered by the Music Commission aimed at supporting and catalyzing the Kingdom’s music ecosystem through thought leadership, education, innovation, and international collaboration.
—Billboard Arabia, Billboard, 5 Dec. 2025
New research suggests that a volcanic eruption or multiple eruptions, unknown to Europe’s inhabitants, most likely catalyzed the pandemic’s arrival on the continent’s shores.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025
By recognizing alums like Chavez, Ednium wants to catalyze public school grads to be the city's change makers.
—Anna Alejo, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
The concentration of economic activity and employment in major urban centers, particularly Tehran, has also catalyzed massive migration, further straining already overstretched water resources.
—Ali Mirchi, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catalyze
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Billboard Arabia, Billboard, 5 Dec. 2025
New research suggests that a volcanic eruption or multiple eruptions, unknown to Europe’s inhabitants, most likely catalyzed the pandemic’s arrival on the continent’s shores.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025
By recognizing alums like Chavez, Ednium wants to catalyze public school grads to be the city's change makers.
—Anna Alejo, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
The concentration of economic activity and employment in major urban centers, particularly Tehran, has also catalyzed massive migration, further straining already overstretched water resources.
—Ali Mirchi, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catalyze
Cite this Entry
“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 11 Dec. 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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