galvanize

verb gal·va·nize \ ˈgal-və-ˌnīz \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Examples: galvanize in a Sentence

Editor's Note: The Scientific Origins of galvanize

Definition of galvanize

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

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galvanization

play \ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

—

galvanizer

play \ˈgal-və-ˌnī-zər\ noun

See galvanize defined for English-language learners

See galvanize defined for kids

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Examples of galvanize in a Sentence

The group is hoping to galvanize public opinion against the proposed law.
The Web site has galvanized support for the project.
a factory where steel is galvanized

Recent Examples of galvanize from the Web

That experience galvanized her extraordinary life’s work for decades to come.

— carolyn todd, Allure, "The History and Evolution of Birth Control in America," 12 July 2018
The investor frenzy was galvanized by some promising, though very preliminary, data presented at the firm’s first-ever R&D day.

— sy mukherjee, Fortune, "Why Sarepta Stock Skyrocketed 40% Today," 19 June 2018
Facial exercises are the latest workout trend, galvanized by studios like FaceGym, soon to open at Saks Fifth Ave, FaceLove in NYC, or Skin Fit Gym in Los Angeles.

— leah prinzivalli, Bon Appetit, "Nope, Sorry, I Won't Exercise My Face," 12 June 2018
The women’s movement, galvanized in large part by the unrelenting male chauvinism of 1968’s leaders, intervened in history, as did movements for racial and ethnic equality.

— alan wolfe, The New Republic, "A Most Violent Year," 18 May 2018
The repeal movement was also galvanized by some high-profile tragic cases.

— jennifer duggan, Marie Claire, "Irish Women Want Their Bodies Back," 15 May 2018
Frustrated by the rate of change—and galvanized by McNair’s remarks—one former Panthers employee harassed by Richardson has decided to speak out.

— SI.com, "My Truth In Letters," 26 Apr. 2018
As with the great American movements before them, our youth has galvanized the country to stand up for the change that the great majority of us crave.

— steve west, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Grandparents vow to make voices heard | Opinion," 24 Apr. 2018
Facing a November race against J.B. Pritzker, Rauner feels compelled to try to galvanize the Trump base in the Republican Party—many of whom still haven't forgiven the governor for signing HB 40, the reproductive rights bill.

— ben joravsky, Chicago Reader, "News / Politics / Race Phony feud: Don’t be fooled by the Twitter barbs between Rahm and Rauner over Dan Ryan protest," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'galvanize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The Scientific Origins of galvanize

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 Italian word galvanismo came to describe a current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action. English speakers borrowed the word as galvanism around 1797; the verb galvanize appeared a few years later, in the early 19th century. Charlotte Brontë used the verb figuratively in her 1853 novel Villette: "Her approach always galvanized him to new and spasmodic life." These days, galvanize also means to cover metal with zinc or a zinc alloy to protect it from rust (as in galvanized carpentry nails).

Origin and Etymology of galvanize

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

Note: See note at galvanism.

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1802

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

galvanize Synonyms

Synonyms

charge, electrify, excite, exhilarate, intoxicate, pump up, thrill, titillate, turn on;

Near Antonyms

bore, jade, pall, tire, weary;

deject, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit;

bewitch, captivate, charm, delight, enchant, enthrall (or enthral), hypnotize, mesmerize, rivet, spellbind;

interest, intrigue, tantalize;

GALVANIZE Defined for English Language Learners

galvanize

verb

Definition of galvanize for English Language Learners

: to cause (people) to become so excited or concerned about an issue, idea, etc., that they want to do something about it
: to cause (a force that is capable of causing change) to become active
: to cover (steel or iron) with a layer of zinc to prevent it from rusting