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Definition of catalyze

catalyze

/ˈkæt.ə.laɪz/
(UK: catalyse)
cat · a · lyze
Adverb:catalytically
•
Adjective:catalytic
•
Past Simple:catalyzed
•
Past Participle:catalyzed
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Present Participle:catalyzing
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catalyze Lexical Profile

catalyze Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

American To spark, stimulate, or accelerate a significant change, action, or development.

Example

"The landmark court ruling helped catalyze a nationwide movement for educational reform."

2

American To cause or accelerate a chemical reaction by acting as a catalyst without being permanently consumed in the process.

Example

"Specific enzymes in the digestive tract catalyze the breakdown of complex proteins into amino acids."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for catalyze

• Nearby Words

catalyst
catalytic
catalytic converter
catalyze
catamaran
catananche
catania

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a back-formation from "catalysis," which derives from Ancient Greek "katalysis" (dissolution), from "kata-" (down) and "lyein" (to loosen).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Catalyze. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/catalyze
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