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
Learning from his brother’s example, Franklin was the first printer outside Boston to broker slaves regularly through his newspaper, and his commercial success (but moral failure) catalyzed similar advertisements in newspapers in New York City, Baltimore and Providence, Rhode Island.
—Adam Smyth, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024
That experience, contrasted with that of other Trump aides who avoided indictment or received pardons, has catalyzed his anger.
—William K. Rashbaum, New York Times, 12 May 2024
But the thing that finally catalyzed the closing of his business was burnout.
—Eliza Milio, TIME, 16 Apr. 2024
Something about her suffering catalyzed in you the desire to end suffering in other people.
—Jason Kehe, WIRED, 10 Apr. 2024
London believes that, with fewer constraints, a project of scale that simultaneously catalyzes redevelopment of the entire downtown core is achievable.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024
Georgetown University’s Maria & Alberto de la Cruz Gallery was once the Hall of Nations, which hosted a 1979 concert that catalyzed the local hardcore punk scene.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
The swift transition to remote work, catalyzed by the pandemic, has only fueled this push.
—Ebony Flake, Essence, 24 Mar. 2024
This shift, spurred by investor pressures, is catalyzing a strategic realignment in content expenditure.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 31 Jan. 2024
Adam Smyth, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024
That experience, contrasted with that of other Trump aides who avoided indictment or received pardons, has catalyzed his anger.
—William K. Rashbaum, New York Times, 12 May 2024
But the thing that finally catalyzed the closing of his business was burnout.
—Eliza Milio, TIME, 16 Apr. 2024
Something about her suffering catalyzed in you the desire to end suffering in other people.
—Jason Kehe, WIRED, 10 Apr. 2024
London believes that, with fewer constraints, a project of scale that simultaneously catalyzes redevelopment of the entire downtown core is achievable.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024
Georgetown University’s Maria & Alberto de la Cruz Gallery was once the Hall of Nations, which hosted a 1979 concert that catalyzed the local hardcore punk scene.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
The swift transition to remote work, catalyzed by the pandemic, has only fueled this push.
—Ebony Flake, Essence, 24 Mar. 2024
This shift, spurred by investor pressures, is catalyzing a strategic realignment in content expenditure.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 31 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.
Dictionary Entries Near catalyze
Cite this Entry
“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 23 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share