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
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have energizedperfect
-
has energizedperfect
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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:
“Very similarly to how the music industry runs on the enthusiasm of fans and their attention, politicians actually have to compete and energize voters around their visions and their policies,” she added.
From Salon ● Sep. 20, 2026
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time," James posted on X.
From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026
But most analysts believe that relief the war is over can further energize risk appetite.
From MarketWatch ● May 29, 2026
When thought moves forward, it recruits the brain systems involved in learning, motivation and future planning, and this forward engagement helps energize the very physiological systems that support resilience and well-being.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 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
Without air molecules to slow them down, methane molecules move freely under the influence of gravity, bouncing across the surface as sunlight energizes them and colder temperatures reduce their speed.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026
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
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
Also energized by the speech is Joseph Conlon, 37, dean of graduate studies at Ralston and director of the college’s remarkable Greek program.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
Even so, businesses are still only adding workers in dribs and drabs — more than enough to keep the unemployment rate low, but still leaving the U.S. with a far less energized labor market.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026
This campaign has been energized by new tactics - including AI videos designed to grab the headlines - and also by a new face.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026
“Everyone felt energized by that. We can’t change the past, but we need to acknowledge what happened in order not to repeat it in the future.”
From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2026
The children, on the other hand, were now wonderfully energized.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
And now, upbeat earnings results are energizing software investors.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 19, 2026
And while the movement’s stars like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani might be the personalities energizing volunteers, the door-knocking they do is getting people elected up and down the ballot.
From Salon ● Jun. 24, 2026
“It’s an energizing moment,” said David Galperin, a Sotheby’s specialist.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026
William Carlos Angulo’s choreography is unfailingly kinetic, but participating in a party is more energizing than watching one at a remove.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 20, 2026
I found working with such interesting and intelligent people tremendously energizing.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
