galvanization

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

gal•va•nize /ˈgælvəˌnaɪz/   v. [~ + object] , -nized, -niz•ing. 

1. to stimulate by an electric current:
   to galvanize nerves.
2. to startle into sudden activity:
   The news of the riots galvanized the police.
3. Metallurgy to coat (iron or steel) with zinc.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

gal•va•nize  (gal′və nīz′), v.t., -nized, -niz•ing. 

1. to stimulate by or as if by a galvanic current.
2. Medicine to stimulate or treat (muscles or nerves) with induced direct current (distinguished from faradize).
3. to startle into sudden activity;
   stimulate.
4. Metallurgy to coat (metal, esp. iron or steel) with zinc.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] gal′va•nise′. 

• French galvaniser, named after Luigi Galvani; see -ize
• 1795–1805

gal′va•ni•za′tion, n. 
gal′va•niz′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 3. rouse, stir, electrify, fire, spur, animate.