Galvanize: Definition & Meaning for the SAT
⚡️ GALVANIZE most nearly means: (A) to coat with wax; (B) to make peaceful; (C) to confuse thoroughly; (D) to stir into action. 👉 Answer + examples, pronunciation, and explanation inside.
📣 TL;DR: Galvanize means to shock or excite someone into taking action. The word has an interesting history related to shocking living beings to cause them to move. At one point, some people thought galvanization could potentially give life to a body.
ℹ️ Part of Speech of Galvanize
galvanize is a VERB.
🗣️ Pronunciation of Galvanize
IPA: /ˈɡæl.və.naɪz/ (See IPA key)
Respelling: GAL-vuh-nize
📚️ Definition of Galvanize
To shock or excite someone into sudden action; to stimulate or spur into activity, especially through an urgent or dramatic catalyst. Example: to galvanize a community to act.
📰 Examples of Galvanize
Here are some examples of the word galvanize:
The viral video of ocean pollution galvanized millions of viewers to cut the rings of six-pack holders before disposing of them.
“Over There” is a patriotic song written to galvanize American men to enlist in the army.
✅ Quiz answer
Answer to the question above:
D, to stir into action. Explanations: A doesn’t work; while galvanization is a real process of coating metal with zinc, coating with wax is NOT one of the meanings. B could be pacify or mollify. C could be bewilder or perplex, so that’s out.