energize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to give energy to; rouse into activity.
to energize the spirit with brave words.
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to supply electrical current to or store electrical energy in.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to have or cause to have energy; invigorate
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(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
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energizesimple
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energizessimple
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have energizedperfect
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has energizedperfect
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am energizingprogressive
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are energizingprogressive
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is energizingprogressive
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have been energizingperfect progressive
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has been energizingperfect progressive
Past
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energizedsimple
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had energizedperfect
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was energizingprogressive
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were energizingprogressive
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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:
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
Unlike other philanthropic initiatives that emphasize renewables to energize impoverished societies, Energy Corps sees a role for a broader spectrum of solutions—from fossil fuels to solar panels and nuclear plants.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 18, 2026
Meanwhile, if announcements at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show “are construed as bullish ‘buy the news’ type events,” that could further energize investors, according to Klein.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 5, 2026
Downtown L.A. is doing better than you think it is, but the government needs to do more to energize the city, said one of the region’s longest and most successful real estate leaders.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 24, 2025
Just being at Garland seemed to energize her.
From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman
Their standoff energizes the play, but this jolt of momentum comes a little too late.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026
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
As the hot core becomes exposed, it emits intense radiation that energizes the surrounding gas, producing the glowing shells seen in planetary nebulae such as the Helix, Stingray, and Butterfly nebulae.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 13, 2026
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
Renewed Middle East tensions come after the hot memory-chip trade that had energized markets all year has already lost momentum.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
Thurston, recently back from a visit to China and meetings with companies, was energized by what she saw.
From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026
These albums will keep you energized to thrive another day.
From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2026
I mean, he’s been really energized about that and really focused on taking the strengths that he has.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026
He seemed unusually, almost exaggeratedly, energized, and gave me an impetuous tickle from behind as he passed, which was out of character.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
None of it came easily, but all of it has been energizing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 28, 2026
What they are is addictive, catchy, energizing and undeniable.
From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2026
Crockett, a 44-year-old African-American lawyer, argues the party needs a fighter capable of energizing turnout and commanding attention through sharp, viral exchanges with Republicans.
From Barron's ● Feb. 19, 2026
You asked…“Who are the people who are energizing the game right now?”
From Salon ● Nov. 3, 2025
The job was broad and people oriented enough to be energizing and almost always interesting.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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.
