galvanize

verb

gal·va·nize ˈgal-və-ˌnīz

galvanized; galvanizing

Synonyms of galvanize next

transitive verb

: to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically

galvanize a muscle

: to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock

an issue that would galvanize public opinion

: to coat (iron or steel) with zinc

especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy

intransitive verb

: to react as if stimulated by an electric shock

they galvanized into action

galvanization

ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən

noun

galvanizer

ˈgal-və-ˌnī-zər

noun

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Luigi Galvani was an Italian physician and physicist who, in the 1770s, studied the electrical nature of nerve impulses by applying electrical stimulation to frogs' leg muscles, causing them to contract. Although Galvani's theory that animal tissue contained an innate electrical impulse was disproven, the French word galvanisme came to describe a current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action. English borrowed the word as galvanism, and shortly after the verb galvanize came to life.

Examples of galvanize in a Sentence

The group is hoping to galvanize public opinion against the proposed law. The website has galvanized support for the project. a factory where steel is galvanized

Recent Examples on the Web As some analysts now argue, given the intensity of the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the growing threat of a wider regional war, the past six months’ events will necessarily galvanize U.S. engagement in the Middle East for the foreseeable future. —

Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2024 More recently, social media has been galvanized in elections, like former President Barack Obama on Facebook in 2008, or former President Donald Trump on Twitter, now X, in 2016. —

Brooke Schultz, Quartz, 6 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for galvanize

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'galvanize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French galvaniser, from Luigi galvani (who conducted pioneering experiments in bioelectricity) + -iser -ize

Note: See note at galvanism.

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of galvanize was in 1802

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Galvanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galvanize. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

galvanize

verb

gal·va·nize ˈgal-və-ˌnīz

galvanized; galvanizing

: to subject to the action of an electric current

galvanize a muscle

: to cause excitement or concern and a desire for action in

an issue that galvanized the public

: to coat (as iron) with zinc for protection

galvanization

ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən

noun

Medical Definition

galvanize

transitive verb

gal·va·nize

variants or British galvanise

ˈgal-və-ˌnīz

galvanized or British galvanised; galvanizing or British galvanising

: to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically

galvanize a muscle

Last Updated: 14 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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galvanize

verb

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Synonyms

Examples of galvanize in a Sentence

Word History

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Dictionary Entries Near galvanize

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