catalyze

1 of 2

verb

catalyzed; catalyzing
Synonyms of catalyze

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

catalyzer

2 of 2

noun

cat·​a·​lyz·​er
ˈka-tə-ˌlī-zər
plural -s

Examples of catalyze in a Sentence

Verb a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
In the new study, the researchers found that palladium can catalyze a crucial reaction from phosphite (abundant at hydrothermal vents) to phosphate (crucial to cellular processes) that releases energy and could have powered LUCA. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026 That’s partly because proteins do most of the business of life, catalyzing the interesting chemistry and structuring cells. ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026 Progressive Democrats have catalyzed voters on affordability, pledging to tax the wealthiest Americans more to pay for universal healthcare, a higher minimum wage and a universal basic income. Garrett Downs, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 Largely missing from the public discussion is the opportunity to catalyze a broader shift to alternative fuels across sectors that can’t be electrified easily. Justin Worland, Time, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyze

Word History

Etymology

Verb

see catalysis

First Known Use

Verb

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalyze was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

catalyzed; catalyzing
: to bring about or produce by chemical catalysis

Medical Definition

catalyze

transitive verb
cat·​a·​lyze
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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