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
The #MeToo movement was catalyzed in part by the many women who came forward to accuse Weinstein of misconduct, starting in 2017.
—Ilya Marritz, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
Advocates hail the undertaking as an essential step toward modernizing the state’s transportation system and catalyzing development along a fast-growing corridor.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
Her boyfriend, Timm Karlo (James McArdle), grows jealous of her friendship with Cassian and turns him into the authorities, catalyzing his escape, though Timm is one of the many citizens unceremoniously gunned down by Stormtroopers on Ferrix.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
While the moment catalyzes his rap career, the Warner Records signee is not new to the game, or even to mainstream rap features, as he was featured on ScHoolboy Q’s 2024 Blue Lips album, signifying his support from Hip-Hop veterans.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2025
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Ilya Marritz, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
Advocates hail the undertaking as an essential step toward modernizing the state’s transportation system and catalyzing development along a fast-growing corridor.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
Her boyfriend, Timm Karlo (James McArdle), grows jealous of her friendship with Cassian and turns him into the authorities, catalyzing his escape, though Timm is one of the many citizens unceremoniously gunned down by Stormtroopers on Ferrix.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
While the moment catalyzes his rap career, the Warner Records signee is not new to the game, or even to mainstream rap features, as he was featured on ScHoolboy Q’s 2024 Blue Lips album, signifying his support from Hip-Hop veterans.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 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 15 May. 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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