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

Still, many brands have been hesitant to join TikTok Shop, some out of fear of cannibalizing their other sales channels, or a reluctance, particularly among prestige and luxury brands, to partake in the discounting that often catalyzes sales on the platform. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024

Just as the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah a month ago catalyzed new opportunities for Mideast peace, the death of long-elusive Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar Thursday turbocharges the transformation of the Middle East towards a more secure and prosperous future. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 17 Oct. 2024

These are moments when high levels of skill mix with years of experience and can be catalyzed by a specific circumstance. —Pamela J. Joyner, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2024

Once the investment is made, that transition quickly catalyzes to serving on the board. —Jackie Grant, Harvard Business Review, 19 Sep. 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