tr.v. cat·a·lyzed, cat·a·lyz·ing, cat·a·lyz·es 1. To modify, especially to increase, the rate of (a chemical reaction) by catalysis. 2. To bring about; initiate: "The technology bred of science has catalyzed stupendous economic growth" (Nature). 3. To produce fundamental change in; transform: changes in student enrollment that have catalyzed the educational system. [From CATALYSIS.] cata·lyz′er n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.