catalyze
Definitions
To cause or speed up a chemical reaction by acting as a catalyst, without being consumed
催化（作为催化剂引发或加速化学反应，自身不被消耗）
To trigger or accelerate a process or change
促进，推动，促成（某一过程或变化）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcata- (down) + lyze (loosen, from Greek lyein) = to 'loosen down,' to help break something apart. A catalyst speeds a reaction by helping pull molecules apart, yet emerges unchanged itself. The everyday sense keeps this: an event can catalyze change, igniting a process without being used up by it.
Root lyse still carries 11 more wordsUsage Guide
- Spelling: catalyze (US) / catalyse (UK). Related forms: catalyst (the agent), catalysis (the process), catalytic (as in catalytic converter).
- In the figurative sense, the thing that catalyzes is not consumed — that's the whole point of the metaphor. Use it for triggers that spark change without being 'used up.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Certain enzymes catalyze the reactions that digest our food.
- 2.
The new funding helped catalyze a wave of local startups.
- 3.
Her speech catalyzed a national debate about education.
Synonym Comparison
- catalyze — trigger and speed up while staying unchanged yourself (science + figurative)
- trigger — set off; emphasizes the starting instant, not acceleration
- spark — ignite suddenly, vivid and informal
- accelerate — make an already-running process faster
- facilitate — make easier or smoother, gentler than catalyze