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

Despite the uproar, experts said the salute by Smith and Carlos was a defining moment for Black people, galvanizing the Civil Rights Movement. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026

At the company’s annual meeting in January 2025, more than 98% of shareholders voted against the proposal, an overwhelming rebuke that galvanized support from civil‑rights leaders and progressive customers. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026

The cap galvanizes both sides In this negotiation, a cap is not only a potential end, but a means to an end. —Evan Drellich, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026

In response, her government unleashed a brutal and bloody crackdown that only galvanized the movement and brought more people onto the streets. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026

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