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 describe a current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action. English borrowed the word as galvanism, and shortly after the verb galvanize came to life.

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 Living in White Plains, N.Y., in the 1980s, Mrs. Wallace galvanized a broad campaign to rescue the river, at the time an inaccessible 23-mile watercourse that was home to more flotsam, like the carcasses of junked cars and rusted refrigerators, than fauna. Sam Roberts, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Long criticized for wild, selfish play, Sebastian Mack was becoming a galvanizing force. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024 The overturning of Roe v. Wade has galvanized women both young and old like no other national issue, Mulholland said. Scooty Nickerson, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2024 In Europe, this has galvanized concerns about China’s own global ambitions and played a role in the European Union’s ongoing push to recalibrate its policy toward China. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024 The mineral is used in batteries to store energy, and in wind turbines, electric vehicles and in galvanizing steel for road and bridge construction. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 15 Feb. 2024 The answer is frightening in each piece, but oddly galvanizing, too. The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2024 Wednesday’s action comes as some Democrats have pleaded for Mr. Biden to highlight his success in relieving debt to galvanize crucial constituencies, including young voters and Black borrowers who disproportionately shoulder student loan debt. Zolan Kanno-Youngs, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2024 As interest in the pandemic waned, experts say some wellness influencers have latched on to climate change to galvanize followers. Laura Paddison, CNN, 4 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'galvanize.' 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

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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Dictionary Entries Near galvanize

Cite this Entry

“Galvanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galvanize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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