catalyze
KAT-uh-lyze
/ˈkætəlaɪz/
To cause or accelerate a reaction, development, or change.
Borrowed from chemistry, this word implies acting as the spark or agent that speeds up a massive change or process without necessarily being consumed or heavily altered by that process.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 19th century by Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius, the term comes from the Greek 'katalysis' (meaning 'dissolution' or 'loosening down'). In chemistry, a catalyst loosens chemical bonds to speed up a reaction; metaphorically, it loosens up a stagnant situation to allow rapid progress.
Word relationships
- precipitate: Precipitate means to cause an event (usually a bad one) to happen suddenly or prematurely, whereas catalyze focuses on accelerating a constructive process or reaction.
- accelerate: Accelerate simply means to increase speed, whereas catalyze implies initiating a complex, transformative reaction or change.
- hinder: Hinder means to create obstacles or slow down progress, directly opposing the accelerating action of catalyzing.
- inhibit: Inhibit means to restrain, prevent, or slow down a process, acting as a chemical or metaphorical brake.
Commonly confused with
- cause: Cause simply means to make something happen, while catalyze specifically implies speeding up or facilitating a complex process that might have happened slowly on its own.
Word family
- catalyst (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
- catalytic (adjective): Relating to or causing acceleration of a reaction or change.
Collocations
- catalyze change
- catalyze growth
- catalyze a reaction
- catalyze development
Example sentences
- "The construction of the new high-speed rail line is expected to catalyze economic growth across the entire valley." Discussing economic development.
- "A single investigative report was enough to catalyze a nationwide debate on privacy laws." Describing social change.
Memory hook
Think of a 'cattle' prod. It gets the herd moving incredibly fast without the rancher having to run alongside them. Loosen up and speed up.
When not to use
Do not use when describing a slow, passive, or natural evolution that occurs without a specific triggering agent.
Fun facts
- Your car's 'catalytic converter' uses precious metals like platinum and palladium to catalyze a chemical reaction that turns toxic exhaust gases into less harmful emissions.
Explore more words
catalyst, accelerate, precipitate, revolutionize, revitalize, synergize
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