galvanize

verb

gal·​va·​nize ˈgal-və-ˌnīz How to pronounce galvanize (audio)
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 noun
galvanizer 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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The allegations of corruption and law enforcement tainting the investigation into O’Keefe’s death was a galvanizing force for Read’s supporters. Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 21 June 2025 Everyday citizens, galvanized and radicalized by the presence of the military in their city, choosing to fight back. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 Meanwhile, the most recent peace talks yielded little more than a prisoner exchange and the administration continues to pull back from a conflict that once galvanized the West. Jane Harman, Time, 13 June 2025 Still, the seriousness of the reports involving exempted drugs did not galvanize the agency to investigate, leaving the public and the government with no way of knowing whether people were being harmed and, if so, how many. Debbie Cenziper, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for galvanize

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of galvanize was in 1802

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Cite this Entry

“Galvanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galvanize. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

galvanize

verb
gal·​va·​nize ˈgal-və-ˌnīz How to pronounce galvanize (audio)
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 noun

Medical Definition

galvanize

transitive verb
gal·​va·​nize
variants or British galvanise
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

More from Merriam-Webster on galvanize

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