galvanize Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb to stimulate to action
    galvanise; startle.
    • ..startled him awake
    • galvanized into action
  2. verb cover with zinc
    galvanise.
    • galvanize steel
  3. verb stimulate (muscles) by administering a shock
    galvanise.

WordNet


Gal"va*nize transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. galvaniser.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Galvanized ; present participle & verbal noun Galvanizing
Definitions
  1. To affect with galvanism; to subject to the action of electrical currents.
  2. To plate, as with gold, silver, etc., by means of electricity.
  3. To restore to consciousness by galvanic action (as from a state of suspended animation); hence, to stimulate or excite to a factitious animation or activity.
  4. To coat, as iron, with zinc. See Galvanized iron.

Webster 1913