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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This realignment will catalyze the transmutation of negative thought patterns into a higher state of cognitive resonance, thereby enabling the manifestation of your innermost desires through the law of quantum attraction. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 This new phase of growth has been catalyzed by the art directorship of designers and architects Francesco Meda and David Lopez Quincoces, who were appointed in 2023. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025 These on-the-ground efforts illustrate how a fashion moment can catalyze life-saving action. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Critics of his decision have raised concerns that this could catalyze the spread of misinformation to the more than 3 billion people who use Facebook. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for catalyze

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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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