galvanize

verb

gal·​va·​nize ˈgal-və-ˌnīz 

galvanized; galvanizing

transitive verb

1

a

: to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically

galvanize a muscle

b

: to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock

an issue that would galvanize public opinion

2

: to coat (iron or steel) with zinc

especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy

intransitive verb

: to react as if stimulated by an electric shock

they galvanized into action

galvanization

ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

galvanizer

ˈgal-və-ˌnī-zər 

noun

Did you know?

Luigi Galvani was an Italian physician and physicist who, in the 1770s, studied the electrical nature of nerve impulses by applying electrical stimulation to frogs’ leg muscles, causing them to contract. Although Galvani’s theory that animal tissue contained an innate electrical impulse was disproven, the French word galvanisme came to refer to a current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action, while the verb galvaniser was used for the action of applying such a current (both words were apparently coined by German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who modeled them after the French equivalents of magnetism and magnetize). In English, these words came to life as galvanism and galvanize, respectively. Today their primary senses are figurative: to galvanize a person or group is to spur them into action as if they’ve been jolted with electricity.

Synonyms of galvanize

• excite
• thrill
• electrify
• inspire

Examples of galvanize in a Sentence

The group is hoping to galvanize public opinion against the proposed law.

The website has galvanized support for the project.

a factory where steel is galvanized

Recent Examples on the Web

The three were able to preview footage from the film and were immediately galvanized, says Slatkin, a Grammy winner who also collaborated with Sheeran on his 2025 album Play. —Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025

Today's team meeting was a clear indicator of his ability to galvanize our squad. —Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

For Morrison, the push for representation began after a controversial development proposal in November 2024 that galvanized the neighborhood. —Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025

Taylor’s performance doesn’t ask you to root for Perfidia so much as be galvanized by her. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French galvaniser, from Luigi galvani (who conducted pioneering experiments in bioelectricity) + -iser -ize

Note: See note at galvanism.

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for galvanize

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

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Kids Definition

galvanize

verb

gal·​va·​nize ˈgal-və-ˌnīz 

galvanized; galvanizing

1

a

: to subject to the action of an electric current

galvanize a muscle

b

: to cause excitement or concern and a desire for action in

an issue that galvanized the public

2

: to coat (as iron) with zinc for protection

galvanization

ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

galvanize

transitive verb

gal·​va·​nize

variants or British galvanise

ˈgal-və-ˌnīz 

galvanized or British galvanised; galvanizing or British galvanising

: to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically

galvanize a muscle