catalyze

American  

[kat-l-ahyz] / ˈkæt lˌaɪz /

especially British, catalyse

verb (used with object)

catalyzed, catalyzing

1. to act upon by catalysis.

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catalyze Scientific  

/ kăt′l-īz′ /

1. To modify, especially to increase, the rate of a chemical reaction through the action of a catalyst.

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Other Word Forms

• catalyzer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of catalyze

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

Example Sentences

Much as “Romneycare” gave rise to the Affordable Care Act, WA Cares could finally catalyze a mandatory, universal long-term-care program at the federal level.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

‘This is a really big moment in terms of expanding Apple’s product lineup into what’s possible, and it could reignite their wearable segment and also catalyze their ecosystem.”

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

“All those things really catalyze the utilities to then go and look for a solution that can help solve some of those problems,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Beijing’s “AI Plus” blueprint mandates a nationwide integration of AI to catalyze “new quality productive forces,” targeting a 70% penetration rate across priority sectors by 2027.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

But all of his bold resolve would have come to nothing without the vast indigenous army whose leaders believed they could use the Spanish presence to catalyze the destruction of the Triple Alliance.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• assemble
• marshal
• organize
• prepare