galvanize

verb

Etymology: From French galvaniser, from galvanisme, named after Italian physiologist Luigi Aloisio Galvani (1737–1798). By surface analysis, galvano- + -ize.

1. To coat with a layer of metal by electrochemical means.
2. To coat with a layer of metal by electrochemical means.

   “We then galvanize the steel so that the zinc coating will sacrificially take the corrosion for many years.”

3. 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.”

4. To electrify, as by galvanism.

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

5. To switch sides between Union and Confederate in the American Civil War.

   “Reenactors called this “galvanizing,” the Civil War term for soldiers who switched sides during the conflict.”