galvanize

verb

gal·va·nize ˈgal-və-ˌnīz

galvanized; galvanizing

Synonyms of galvanize next

transitive verb

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

galvanize a muscle

: to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock

an issue that would galvanize public opinion

: 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 describe a current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action. English borrowed the word as galvanism, and shortly after the verb galvanize came to life.

Example Sentences

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 sturdy hardtop gazebo comes with a fade- and rust-proof galvanized steel top that protects against elements including bright sunlight, heavy rainfall, and even snow. —

Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 16 May 2023 That’s why suggestions that Biden galvanize his presidency with a dramatic Oval Office address, or even my own 2022 proposal for a Harry Truman–esque whistle-stop tour, misread reality. —

Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 10 May 2023 Unlike the Super Bowl, the NFL draft tends to galvanize all 32 of the league's fan bases, instilling fresh hope and (theoretically) talent for every team heading into its upcoming season. —

Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2023 And anti-Asian hate crimes, largely unrelated to the addiction crisis, have rightfully galvanized anger — having increased 167% nationwide between 2020 and 2021, according to FBI data, far outpacing rises for any other group. —

Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2023 For some, the proximity to tragedy galvanizes a push for policy change. —

Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2023 Still a galvanizing incident, family members and protesters marched from there to the Fisher Police Building demanding accountability. —

Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2023 By handing President Trump another forum in which to grandstand and galvanize his base, Mr. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, has done the world no favor. —

WSJ, 2 Apr. 2023 While that might galvanize his supporters, the turmoil could threaten the GOP’s standing in the very swing-state suburbs that have abandoned the party in three successive elections, eroding its grip on the White House, Congress and key governorships. —

BostonGlobe.com, 31 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'galvanize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.