Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Galvanize
Gal′va-nize
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Galvanized
; p pr. & vb. n.
Galvanizing
.] [Cf. F.
galvaniser
.] 1.
To affect with galvanism; to subject to the action of electrical currents.
2.
To plate, as with gold, silver, etc., by means of electricity.
3.
To restore to consciousness by galvanic action (as from a state of suspended animation); hence, to stimulate or excite to a factitious animation or activity.
4.
To coat, as iron, with zinc. See
Galvanized iron
. Galvanized iron
, formerly, iron coated with zink by electrical deposition; now more commonly, iron coated with zink by plunging into a bath of melted zink, after its surface has been cleaned by friction with the aid of dilute acid.
Webster 1828 Edition
Galvanize
GAL'VANIZE
,Verb.
T.
Definition 2024
galvanize
galvanize
English
Alternative forms
- galvanise (mostly UK)
Verb
galvanize (third-person singular simple present galvanizes, present participle galvanizing, simple past and past participle galvanized)
- (transitive, chiefly Canada, US, chemistry) To coat with a thin layer of metal by electrochemical means; to electroplate.
- (transitive, chiefly Canada, US) To coat with rust-resistant zinc.
- (transitive, chiefly Canada, US) To shock or stimulate into sudden activity.
- (transitive, archaic) To electrify.
- Thomas Babington Macaulay
- The agitations resembled the grinnings and writhings of a galvanized corpse, not the struggles of an athletic man.
- Thomas Babington Macaulay
- (transitive, dated, American Civil War) To switch sides between Union and Confederate.
- 1998, Tony Horwitz, Confederates in the Attic, 1st Vintage Departures edition, Vintage Books, ISBN 0679439781, page 10:
- Reeanactors called this "galvanizing," the Civil War term for soldiers who switched sides during the conflict.
-
Synonyms
- (to shock or stimulate): startle
Translations
To coat with rust-resistant zinc
|
To coat with a thin layer of metal by electrochemical means
|
|
To shock or stimulate into sudden activity
|
Derived terms
Related terms
Portuguese
Verb
galvanize
- first-person singular present subjunctive of galvanizar
- third-person singular present subjunctive of galvanizar
- first-person singular imperative of galvanizar
- third-person singular imperative of galvanizar