Meaning of galvanize in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈɡælvəˌnaɪz/

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    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    galvanize

    Etymology

    early 19th century (in the sense ‘stimulate by electricity’): from French galvaniser (see Galvani, Luigi)

    Definitions

    1. to stimulate to action

    Examples

    • « ..startled him awake »
    • « galvanized into action »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. cover with zinc

    Examples

    • « galvanize steel »

    Derived terms

  3. 3. stimulate (muscles) by administering a shock

    Derived terms

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