Definition of "galvanize" in English

verb

1. (loosely, dated) To coat with a layer of metal by electrochemical means.

2. (figurative) To shock or stimulate into sudden activity, as if by electric shock.

   • The girl’s picture helped galvanize public opinion against the administration’s policy.
   • Republicans are hoping a proposed gas-tax repeal will galvanize their voters.

3. (archaic) To electrify, as by galvanism.

   • The agitations resembled the grinnings and writhings of a galvanized corpse, not the struggles of an athletic man.

4. (historical, US) To switch sides between Union and Confederate in the American Civil War.