Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cause or accelerate a chemical reaction by acting as a catalyst: To make a chemical process happen or happen faster by adding a substance that is not consumed in the reaction.
   • To cause an action or event to happen more quickly: To act as a stimulus that rapidly brings about a change or process.

Usage

• The verb "catalyse" (US spelling: catalyze) is used to describe the action of a catalyst in chemistry. It is also used figuratively in broader contexts to describe something that triggers rapid change.
• It is a transitive verb and typically requires a direct object (the thing being changed or accelerated).

Examples

• Chemistry Context:
  • The enzyme catalyses the breakdown of sucrose into glucose and fructose.
  • Platinum is used to catalyse the conversion of carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide in car exhaust systems.
• Figurative Context:
  • The tragic event catalysed a major review of public safety policies.
  • Her inspiring speech catalysed the community into action.

Advanced Usage

• "to catalyse change": to be the agent that causes significant change to begin or accelerate.
  • The new technology has the potential to catalyse change across the entire industry.
• "to catalyse a reaction": to initiate or speed up a chemical reaction. This is the most literal and common technical usage.
  • The acid catalyses the reaction, producing the desired compound in minutes.

Variants and Related Words

• Catalyst (n): A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. Figuratively, a person or thing that precipitates an event.
  • The manager acted as a catalyst for the team's improved performance.
• Catalysis (n): The process or action of causing or accelerating a chemical reaction by a catalyst.
  • The production process relies on heterogeneous catalysis.
• Catalytic (adj): Relating to or involving catalysis.
  • The converter has a catalytic function.

Synonyms

• Trigger: to cause something to start.
• Precipitate: to cause an event to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.
• Accelerate: to increase the speed or rate of.
• Stimulate: to encourage something to develop or become more active.

Antonyms

• Inhibit: to hinder, restrain, or prevent an action or process.
• Slow: to reduce the speed or progress of.
• Retard: to delay or hold back in terms of progress or development.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Act as a catalyst": This is a common phrase using the noun form. It means to serve as the agent that causes an important change.
  • The scandal acted as a catalyst for political reform.
• "Catalytic converter": A specific compound term for a device in vehicles that uses a catalyst to convert toxic gases into less harmful substances. (Listed here as a common related term, not as a usage of the verb "catalyse" itself).

Verb

1. change by catalysis or cause to catalyze