galvanize

especially British, gal·va·nise

[gal-vuh-nahyz]

verb (used with object)

galvanized, galvanizing 

1. to stimulate by or as if by a galvanic current.

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

3. to startle into sudden activity; stimulate.

   Synonyms: animate, spur, fire, electrify, stir, rouse

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

galvanize

/ ˈɡælvəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to stimulate to action; excite; startle

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

3. to stimulate by application of an electric current

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• galvanization noun
• galvanizer noun
• nongalvanized adjective
• pregalvanize verb (used with object)
• regalvanization noun
• regalvanize verb (used with object)
• ungalvanized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of galvanize¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; from French galvaniser, named after Luigi Galvani; -ize

Example Sentences

“North” was a galvanizing book for its bog poems as well as sequences such as “Singing School” and “Whatever You Say Say Nothing”:

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Here are some moments that galvanized the Dodgers’ run to another World Series triumph.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Much more galvanizing as a combo platter of high-wattage persuasion and dominance is Chad L. Coleman in his handful of scenes as Don King.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It just sort of galvanizes and I'm seeing all of that now.

Read more on BBC

Cheney helped galvanize congressional support for Ronald Reagan’s defense buildup and scored a 90% positive rating from the American Conservative Union.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arouse 
• astonish 
• energize 
• excite 
• frighten 
• invigorate 
• jolt 
• motivate 
• provoke 
• shock 
• spur 
• startle 
• stir 
• stun