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
- 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:
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
