catalyze
verb
cat·a·lyze
ˈka-tə-ˌlīz 
catalyzed; catalyzing
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 activity—
Harrison Brown
Harrison Brown3
: to alter significantly by or as if by catalysis
innovations in basic chemical theory that have catalyzed the field—Newsweek
Newsweek
catalyzer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of catalyze in a Sentence
a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country
Recent Examples on the Web
An underappreciated contribution of the CHIPS Act was catalyzing a shift in funding streams, mindsets, and strategy for workforce development at the agency.
—Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Can Harris capture Asian America? Harris’ likely ascension to Democratic nominee coincides with an increasingly political Asian America, which was catalyzed by Trump’s presidency and the rise of anti-Asian hate amid the Covid pandemic, Sadhwani said.
—Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 23 July 2024
What was once an online bond evolved into a potluck dinner that catalyzed something greater.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 16 Aug. 2024
The moment proved catalyzing for De Jong, who sold her first work that same year.
—News Desk, Artforum, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for catalyze 
Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Can Harris capture Asian America? Harris’ likely ascension to Democratic nominee coincides with an increasingly political Asian America, which was catalyzed by Trump’s presidency and the rise of anti-Asian hate amid the Covid pandemic, Sadhwani said.
—Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 23 July 2024
What was once an online bond evolved into a potluck dinner that catalyzed something greater.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 16 Aug. 2024
The moment proved catalyzing for De Jong, who sold her first work that same year.
—News Desk, Artforum, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for catalyze
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.
Dictionary Entries Near catalyze
Cite this Entry
“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
catalyze
verb
cat·a·lyze
ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌīz
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
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