galvanize

[ gal-vuh-nahyz ]

/ ˈgæl vəˌnaɪz /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR galvanize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), gal·va·nized, gal·va·niz·ing.

to stimulate by or as if by a galvanic current.

Medicine/Medical. to stimulate or treat (muscles or nerves) with induced direct current (distinguished from faradize).

to startle into sudden activity; stimulate.

to coat (metal, especially iron or steel) with zinc.

Nearby words

galvanic cell, galvanic couple, galvanic pile, galvanic skin response, galvanism, galvanize, galvanized iron, galvanizing, galvano-, galvanocautery, galvanochemical

Also especially British, gal·va·nise.

Origin of galvanize

1795–1805; < French galvaniser, named after Luigi Galvani; see -ize

SYNONYMS FOR galvanize

3 rouse, stir, electrify, fire, spur, animate.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR galvanize ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

gal·va·ni·za·tion, noungal·va·niz·er, nounnon·gal·va·nized, adjectivepre·gal·va·nize, verb (used with object), pre·gal·va·nized, pre·gal·va·niz·ing.

re·gal·va·ni·za·tion, nounre·gal·va·nize, verb (used with object), re·gal·va·nized, re·gal·va·niz·ing.un·gal·va·nized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for galvanization

Galvanization or faradization of the affected parts may also be employed, and with, occasionally, beneficial effect.
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin|Henry Weightman Stelwagon
Galvanization of the brain is a remedy chiefly employed in true migraine, and is certainly very effective in that disease.
Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it|Francis E. Anstie
He was ordered two weeks' rest in bed, with massage, cool sponging daily, and galvanization of the areas of neuralgia.
Fat and Blood|S. Weir Mitchell
Galvanization from supra-orbital foramen to nape stopped the pain in five minutes.
Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it|Francis E. Anstie

On the other hand, he reports that intercostal neuralgia has never been materially benefited by galvanization in his hands.
Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it|Francis E. Anstie

British Dictionary definitions for galvanization

galvanize

galvanise

/ (ˈɡælvəˌnaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to stimulate to action; excite; startle

to cover (iron, steel, etc) with a protective zinc coating by dipping into molten zinc or by electrodeposition

to stimulate by application of an electric current

noun

Caribbean galvanized iron, usually in the form of corrugated sheets as used in roofing

Derived Forms

galvanization or galvanisation, noungalvanizer or galvaniser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012