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

These on-the-ground efforts illustrate how a fashion moment can catalyze life-saving action. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

By profoundly enhancing human capabilities and automating routine cognitive work, AGI could catalyze transformative leaps in science, medicine, education, sustainability, space exploration and more. —John Werner, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

The New Co-Founder for Women Entrepreneurs Echoing Sam Altman's assertion that AI will catalyze the rise of million-dollar solo businesses, McKennon is determined to ensure that women entrepreneurs are part of this new wave of success. —Pauleanna Reid, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Global environmental issues have catalyzed Antarctica’s climate problems. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for catalyze

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

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