Jan. 2nd, 2015

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gal·va·nize

verb \ˈgal-və-ˌnīz\

: to cause (people) to become so excited or concerned about an issue, idea, etc., that they want to do something about it

: to cause (a force that is capable of causing change) to become active

: to cover (steel or iron) with a layer of zinc to prevent it from rusting

gal·va·nized gal·va·niz·ing

Full Definition

transitive verb
1a : to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically <galvanize a muscle> b : to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock <an issue that would galvanize public opinion>
2: to coat (iron or steel) with zinc; especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy
intransitive verb
: to react as if stimulated by an electric shock <they galvanized into action>
gal·va·ni·za·tion noun
gal·va·niz·er noun

Examples


  1. The group is hoping to galvanize public opinion against the proposed law.

  2. The Web site has galvanized support for the project.

  3. a factory where steel is galvanized

First Known Use:

1802

You can read more about the work of Luigi Galvani, from whose name this term is derived, over here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi_Galvani
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