galvanize

verb

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 The Scientific Origins of Galvanize More Example Sentences Learn More about galvanize

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Other Words from galvanize

galvanization \ ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən

\ noun

galvanizer \ ˈgal-və-ˌnī-zər

\ noun

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).

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

Some political analysts say Trump’s remarks may actually help Tester by galvanizing Democrats to turn out for a non-presidential election when turnout is typically lower. — Washington Post, "Rosendale wins Montana GOP Senate primary, to face Tester," 7 June 2018 But Democratic leaders fear that building a message around impeachment could backfire by galvanizing Trump’s loyal supporters. — Liz Goodwin, BostonGlobe.com, "Democrats struggle to forge unifying midterm message," 26 May 2018 The next interruption came from husband-and-wife duo Helen McCrory and Damian Lewis, who galvanized the guests into playing an interactive game of heads or tails. — A-LIST, "Social Light: Inside The Old Vic Theatre’s Bicentenary Gala," 15 May 2018 The pursuit takes several unexpected turns in the body count department — and galvanizes Brea into impressive take-charge action. — Gary Goldstein, latimes.com, "Paula Patton stars in the surprisingly effective thriller 'Traffik'," 20 Apr. 2018 Each character’s reactions to the murders, as well as how the invasion of violence galvanizes the neighborhood, provides for a solid plot. — Oline H. Cogdill, Philly.com, "'Other Side of Everything': Generations, a neighborhood on the skids, and festering hatreds," 26 Mar. 2018 O’Rourke and Obama could have an enlightening conversation on what their political party needs to do to galvanize voters moving forward. — Lucy Diavolo, Teen Vogue, "6 Things Barack Obama and Beto O'Rourke Could Discuss Other Than the 2020 Election," 6 Dec. 2018 Haddad was Lula’s chosen successor, but the former mayor failed to galvanize voters with the same ferocity as Lula. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "Jair Bolsonaro, right-wing firebrand, wins Brazil’s presidential election," 29 Oct. 2018 Historically, conservative activists have used the courts to galvanize voters. — Caroline Simon, USA TODAY, "Hundreds protest at the Supreme Court after Trump nominates Kavanaugh," 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.