energize
Americanverb (used with object)
-
energizes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
energized,
past participle, past
-
energizing
present participle
-
to give energy to; rouse into activity.
to energize the spirit with brave words.
-
to supply electrical current to or store electrical energy in.
verb (used without object)
-
energizes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
energized,
past participle, past
-
energizing
present participle
verb
-
to have or cause to have energy; invigorate
-
(tr) to apply a source of electric current or electromotive force to (a circuit, field winding, etc)
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
energizesimple
-
energizessimple
-
have energizedperfect
-
has energizedperfect
-
am energizingprogressive
-
are energizingprogressive
-
is energizingprogressive
-
have been energizingperfect progressive
-
has been energizingperfect progressive
Past
-
energizedsimple
-
had energizedperfect
-
was energizingprogressive
-
were energizingprogressive
-
had been energizingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of energize
Explanation
Energize means to raise the energy level of something. If your really boring teacher suddenly starts throwing M&Ms to every student with a correct answer, he will energize the classroom. Ever seen the Energizer Bunny––the one who "keeps going and going and going?" It's because he's energized by long-lasting batteries that he has the energy to beat that drum over and over. Someone who's feeling low on energy might be reenergized by a cat nap or a candy bar.
Vocabulary lists containing energize
"Modern Automotive Technology," Vocabulary from Section 11
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"CLEP Principles of Management," Vocabulary from Chapter 12
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"The MGMT Solution," Vocabulary from Chapter 13
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fanbase and start this incredible journey one last time," James said on X.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
But most analysts believe that relief the war is over can further energize risk appetite.
From MarketWatch ● May 29, 2026
“For the Baja Blast die-hard, infused with caffeine and a refreshing boost of citrus,” Taco Bell said in a news release, “these patches energize skin and deliver cooling hydration.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2026
The race has become a test of strategy: Crockett argues her combative style will energize turnout, while Talarico presents himself as a bridge to moderates and disaffected Republicans.
From Barron's ● Mar. 3, 2026
The Court's decision was widely criticized by prosecutors and some politicians, and it seemed to energize the victims' rights movement.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Another issue that energizes Ms. Dhillon is “aggressive police consent decrees”—legally binding settlements between the Justice Department and local police departments that compel the latter to pursue or avoid certain practices.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026
In photochemistry, light energizes the catalyst, and the excited catalyst must encounter another molecule through diffusion in order to pass along an electron.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 26, 2025
The sparking dynamic between leads Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim, both making their feature debut, energizes the movie, while Bradley Cooper’s gonzo take on producer Jon Peters nearly justifies the entire endeavor on its own.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2025
Soderbergh’s sleek direction pours over the viewer like smooth espresso and energizes just as much too.
From Salon ● Mar. 14, 2025
The song ends, I catch my breath, and I breathe in everyone’s roaring applause, I breathe in their love, and it energizes me to grab Rufus’s hand while he’s bowing.
From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera
Rather than accompanying Los Tigres, which tend to lean in the direction of Las Vegas, Dudamel energized them.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
Instead of being powered by the nuclear fusion that fuels ordinary stars, the object may consist of an extremely dense cloud of gas energized by a black hole at its center.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 13, 2026
The latest stock market rally has energized equity bulls but left credit investors much more wary, according to Barclays.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026
"I am more energized than ever about the future we are building," he said.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
Whereas Jesse was energized by impossible challenges, Eric was discouraged by them.
From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz
And now, upbeat earnings results are energizing software investors.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 19, 2026
These misaligned intentions and the reactions they give rise to make for an awkward but energizing catch-up session, followed by belated hurt feelings, then a fuller reconciliation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026
What they are is addictive, catchy, energizing and undeniable.
From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2026
“It will allow them to show that they can land a lease and execute on building and energizing capacity.”
From Barron's ● Jan. 16, 2026
The smoke must have had the same energizing effect on the water monster, who stood firmly on his legs.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
