catalyze — to cause or accelerate a reaction or process by acting as a catalyst
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to cause or accelerate a reaction or process by acting as a catalyst
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkætəlaɪz/
Example Sentences
- The free pizza offer catalyzed a stampede of hungry college students.
- Technology can catalyze educational reform worldwide.
- His terrible cooking catalyzed his wife's decision to take over kitchen duties.
catalyze
VERB[/ˈkætəlaɪz/]
to cause or accelerate a reaction or process by acting as a catalyst
The catalyst catalyzed the chemical reaction, making it proceed much faster.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'katalysis' meaning 'dissolution' or 'breaking down.' Originally a chemistry term describing how a catalyst speeds up chemical reactions, it expanded to mean 'to trigger or accelerate any kind of change.'
Breakdown
kata- (down, thoroughly) + lysis (loosening, dissolution) + -ize (verb suffix meaning 'to cause')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The free pizza offer catalyzed a stampede of hungry college students.”
“Technology can catalyze educational reform worldwide.”
“His terrible cooking catalyzed his wife's decision to take over kitchen duties.”
“The crisis catalyzed unprecedented international cooperation.”
📚Related Words
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