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

• galvanizer noun
• galvanization 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

With Gilbert’s long battle against B2H dragging on earlier this year, some lawmakers became galvanized.

From Salon

In fact, it seems to have galvanized the community more around advocating for Soliman.

From Salon

Piscitelli both curated and designed the exhibition in San Francisco, whose reproduced images are not set in precious frames, like fine art, but printed on recyclable cardboard panels resting on Home Depot galvanized studs.

From Los Angeles Times

“Fear is a powerful motivator, and today we’re seeing how fear can galvanize people into making decisions for their own self-protection,” Brown says.

From Los Angeles Times

McConnell described the galvanizing effect the threats have had on him during Thursday’s edition of the nonpartisan Speak Up for Justice forum, a grassroots effort to advocate for judicial independence and judges’ safety.

From Salon

Related Words

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