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
Full Definition
Examples
- The group is hoping to galvanize public opinion against the proposed law.
- The Web site has galvanized support for the project.
- a factory where steel is galvanized
First Known Use:
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