| English > English | |
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| galvanize | |
| 1. v. (transitive, chiefly North America, chemistry) To coat with a thin layer of metal by electrochemical means; to electroplate. |  |
| 2. v. (transitive, chiefly North America) To coat with rust-resistant zinc. | |
| 3. v. (transitive, chiefly North America) To shock or stimulate into sudden activity (as if with an electric shock) | |
| The girl’s picture, along with an audio file of crying children that was given to reporters, helped galvanize public opinion against the administration’s policy. | |
| Republicans are hoping a proposed gas-tax repeal and anger over illegal immigration will galvanize their voters. | |
| 4. v. (transitive, archaic) To electrify. | |
| 5. v. (transitive, dated, American Civil War) To switch sides between Union and Confederate. | |
