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
While the moment catalyzes his rap career, the Warner Records signee is not new to the game, or even to mainstream rap features, as he was featured on ScHoolboy Q’s 2024 Blue Lips album, signifying his support from Hip-Hop veterans.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The public-private partnerships that catalyzed and sustain New York’s rooftop and community solar programs are the envy of the nation.
—Noah Ginsburg, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025
Twenty million Americans joined demonstrations nationwide during the inaugural event, which catalyzed the formation of the EPA later that year, according to the agency's historical records.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
The grab to seize control of a private enterprise has catalyzed support for the independence of higher education, perhaps our nation’s most globally competitive sector.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 19 Apr. 2025
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Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The public-private partnerships that catalyzed and sustain New York’s rooftop and community solar programs are the envy of the nation.
—Noah Ginsburg, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025
Twenty million Americans joined demonstrations nationwide during the inaugural event, which catalyzed the formation of the EPA later that year, according to the agency's historical records.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
The grab to seize control of a private enterprise has catalyzed support for the independence of higher education, perhaps our nation’s most globally competitive sector.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 19 Apr. 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 7 May. 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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