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
Examples of catalyze in a Sentence
a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country
Recent Examples on the Web
Styling the multi-hyphenate for a Refinery29 feature and other press moments catalyzed her career to take flight.
—Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025
While this transition may seem daunting, AI catalyzes a new way of thinking.
—Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Global environmental issues have catalyzed Antarctica’s climate problems.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025
His gift to Indiana University catalyzed construction of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.
—Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
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Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025
While this transition may seem daunting, AI catalyzes a new way of thinking.
—Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Global environmental issues have catalyzed Antarctica’s climate problems.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025
His gift to Indiana University catalyzed construction of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.
—Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catalyze
Cite this Entry
“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
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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