catalyze

verb

cat·​a·​lyze ˈka-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce catalyze (audio)
catalyzed; catalyzing

transitive verb

1
: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)
an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of the sugars
2
: bring about, inspire
his vigorous efforts to catalyze us into activityHarrison Brown
3
: to alter significantly by or as if by catalysis
innovations in basic chemical theory that have catalyzed the fieldNewsweek
catalyzer noun

Examples of catalyze in a Sentence

a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country
Recent Examples on the Web Biden’s presidency has catalyzed the educational realignment. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 16 Mar. 2024 This Week Post-9/11 Realities And Regulatory Enhancements The tragic events of September 11, 2001, catalyzed a reevaluation of KYC practices globally. Alexander Ray, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Bham’s tale, a physical and spiritual journey, is catalyzed by Tashi’s disappearance and Pema’s subsequent search to find him. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024 In the past, bitcoin halvings have catalyzed significant bullish periods. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024 Outside, sheets of rain came down during unusually heavy storms in Southern California, adding a sense of urgency – and purpose – to an event meant to catalyze the music industry into taking meaningful action on the issue. Katie Bain, Billboard, 9 Feb. 2024 That concern catalyzed creation of Content Credentials, a small badge companies and creators can choose to attach to an image’s metadata that discloses who created it and when the image was made. Popular Science, 8 Feb. 2024 Glenelg was quick to respond catalyzed by its press and Chen’s offense. Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2024 There was an identifiable enemy (even if the government shied away from speaking about jihadists catalyzed by sharia supremacism). Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catalyze.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalyze was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near catalyze

Cite this Entry

“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

catalyze

verb
cat·​a·​lyze ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce catalyze (audio)
catalyzed; catalyzing
: to bring about or produce by chemical catalysis

Medical Definition

catalyze

transitive verb
cat·​a·​lyze
variants or British catalyse
catalyzed or British catalysed; catalyzing or British catalysing
: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)
catalyzer noun
or British catalyser
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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