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Synonyms

catalyze

American  
[kat-l-ahyz] / ˈkæt lˌaɪz /
especially British, catalyse

verb (used with object)

catalyzed, catalyzing
  1. to act upon by catalysis.


catalyze Scientific  
/ kătl-īz′ /
  1. To modify, especially to increase, the rate of a chemical reaction through the action of a catalyst.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of catalyze

First recorded in 1885–90; cataly(sis) + (-i)ze

Vocabulary lists containing catalyze

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.

Poon said that SpaceX work on the data centers will help catalyze development of the technology — and he expects his company will be able to hire SpaceX engineers seeking to work at a startup.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

The best news is that shares are still cheap, so solid earnings reports could catalyze more gains.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

It would be a career-defining assignment and, if done right, would catalyze an economic renaissance bringing capital back to a country that has been a financial pariah for nearly a decade.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The materials were then evaluated for their ability to catalyze hydrogen peroxide production.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

One reason why technology tends to catalyze itself is that advances depend upon previous mastery of simpler problems.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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