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
Le Guin’s work recognizes that while some people are resigned to the status quo, others are catalyzed by it to leave, if not to confront, systems of oppression.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
The book traces Jacobs’s career from entrepreneur to lobbyist, catalyzed by a series of serious health events that led him to integrate yoga, meditation, and mindfulness into his daily life and professional approach.
—Forbes Books Press Release Official, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
To be powerful is to inspire others and to catalyze people toward an idea.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
Companies typically vie for a place in the S&P 500 because such an addition can catalyze billions of dollars in trading.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
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The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
The book traces Jacobs’s career from entrepreneur to lobbyist, catalyzed by a series of serious health events that led him to integrate yoga, meditation, and mindfulness into his daily life and professional approach.
—Forbes Books Press Release Official, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
To be powerful is to inspire others and to catalyze people toward an idea.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
Companies typically vie for a place in the S&P 500 because such an addition can catalyze billions of dollars in trading.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 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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