catalyze

verb

cat·​a·​lyze ˈka-tə-ˌlīz 

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 activity

—Harrison Brown

3

: to alter significantly by or as if by catalysis

innovations in basic chemical theory that have catalyzed the field

—Newsweek

catalyzer noun

Synonyms

• beget
• breed
• bring
• bring about
• bring on
• cause
• create
• do
• draw on
• effect
• effectuate
• engender
• generate
• induce
• invoke
• make
• occasion
• produce
• prompt
• result (in)
• spawn
• translate (into)
• work
• yield

Examples of catalyze in a Sentence

a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country

Recent Examples on the Web

Netz bought the collection for $2.5 million as a pure IP play and launched a line of plush toys at Walmart, catalyzing the brand’s explosive growth and leading to a $9 million seed round. —Jordan Yallen, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

While TikTok Shop catalyzed the brand’s sales to new heights, Canvas in fact launched its first products in 2018, long before the platform’s debut. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 6 Dec. 2024

Watch on Deadline The transaction catalyzes the next chapter for the independent studio, which has grossed over $20 billion at the global box office and is experiencing its most profitable year to date. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2024

Saudi Arabia bans them from using their new ability, and the murder of a girl who harmlessly breaks the law catalyzes spontaneous protests. —Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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

ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌīz 

catalyzed or British catalysed; catalyzing or British catalysing

: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)

catalyzer noun

or British catalyser