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galvanize

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The definition of galvanize is to inspire or stimulate someone to act, or to apply an electric current.

(verb)

When you propose a change to a neighborhood's bylaws that really angers someone and he begins to protest as a result, this is an example of a situation where you galvanize someone to act.

See galvanize in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb galvanized, galvanizing

to apply an electric current to
to stimulate as if by electric shock; rouse; stir; spur
to plate (metal) with zinc, originally by galvanic action

Origin: Fr galvaniser < galvanisme: see galvanism

Related Forms:

galvanization noun

See galvanize in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb gal·va·nized, gal·va·niz·ing, gal·va·niz·es

To stimulate or shock with an electric current.
To arouse to awareness or action; spur: “Issues that once galvanized the electorate fade into irrelevance” (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.)
To coat (iron or steel) with rust-resistant zinc.

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