galvanize

gal·va·nize | \ ˈgal-və-ˌnīz

galvanized; galvanizing

Definition of galvanize

1a : 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

Other Words from galvanize Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about galvanize

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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 on the Web Cause célèbre The case has become a cause célèbre that has galvanized a variety of different interests. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, "How a turf war and a botched contract landed 2 pentesters in Iowa jail," 13 Nov. 2019 The racial incident that has galvanized UConn has prompted students like Balogun and Felix to reflect not only on current campus culture, but also on their long-term goals. — Eliza Fawcett, courant.com, "‘If you’re the only black person, you just feel small’: UConn students reflect on culture of casual racism after students arrested for yelling racial slur," 23 Oct. 2019 Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam folded in September, promising to withdraw the divisive extradition bill that had galvanized protests across the financial center, and has lasted over half a year. — Lucinda Shen, Fortune, "The Hong Kong Protests Are Already Having an Impact on Estée Lauder," 17 Sep. 2019 In turn that has galvanized opposition in the US Congress to supplying weapons and assistance to the coalition. — Tim Lister, CNN, "Cracks are appearing in the Mideast's most important alliance. That's bad news for Trump," 22 Aug. 2019 Another turning point in Wallace’s life was the 1962 accidental death of his 19-year-old son Peter while on vacation in Greece, a tragedy that galvanized Wallace to concentrate his energy on serious news. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: ‘Mike Wallace Is Here’ is as tough minded as the man himself," 2 Aug. 2019 Another turning point in Wallace’s life was the 1962 accidental death of his 19-year-old son Peter while on vacation in Greece, a tragedy that galvanized Wallace to concentrate his energy on serious news. — Kenneth Turan, chicagotribune.com, "‘Mike Wallace Is Here’ review:," 29 July 2019 Tamir’s killing came amid a series of deaths at the hands of police that had galvanized communities across the county. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com, "Gazebo where Tamir Rice was shot to be dedicated at Chicago museum: live coverage," 23 June 2019 This June marks the 50th anniversary of New York City’s Stonewall riots, the June 1969 uprising that galvanized the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States and beyond. — Ivan Quintanilla, National Geographic, "These monuments honor LGBTQ history around the world," 22 June 2019

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.