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

• 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

Brand revitalization catalyzed by Kelce’s active involvement provides a meaningful opportunity to lift attendance and engagement at Six Flags. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025

One of those decisions, which Quimby and Reber characterize as the straw that broke the camel’s back in catalyzing the unionization push, was the removal of a key perk of their employment — a free drink from the bar at the end of the night. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025

Electroencephalography catalyzed sleep research. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025

Michael Noone, Scott’s partner, catalyzed Steve’s investigation but came to distrust its findings. —Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for catalyze

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

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