ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary BuilderWordsGgalvanize
ISEE/SSAThard
galvanize
Meaning: to shock or inspire people into taking action
galvanize in a sentence
How galvanize is used in real sentences:
The mayor's sudden resignation galvanized citizens who had ignored the election.
The factory closure galvanized workers to demand stronger protections.
“At the first public meeting, her voice began to quaver as residents described losing their only shaded route, yet their concern soon galvanized her into proposing a careful recovery plan.”
— from the passage The Juniper Recovery
Synonyms for galvanize
Other words for galvanize — rouse, mobilize and spur — carry the same meaning.
- rouse
- mobilize
- spur
Antonyms of galvanize
Words that mean the opposite of galvanize:
- discourage
- lull
- deter
Where it comes from
From Luigi Galvani, whose experiments linked electricity with muscular movement.
Memory hook
GALVANIZE suggests a galvanic jolt that drives people into action.