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
In the wake of a hurricane, Douglas visits Wortzel in a dream, catalyzing a prismatic journey across the Everglades with Miccosukee educator and activist Betty Osceola and interweaving Douglas’ writing with personal narration, present-day verité and rare archival footage.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 17 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
This is a season where your voice can catalyze change, whether that’s through content, conversations, or speaking up in rooms that used to intimidate you.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 12 Oct. 2025
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Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 17 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
This is a season where your voice can catalyze change, whether that’s through content, conversations, or speaking up in rooms that used to intimidate you.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 12 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 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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