Galvanize

medium

GAL-vuh-nyz

verb

Definition

To shock or excite someone into taking action

Examples

The tragedy galvanized the community into action.
Her speech galvanized supporters to volunteer.

Synonyms

electrifystimulatespurrouse

Antonyms

discouragedisheartendampendeter

Categories

GRE Tip

Galvanize is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "electrify" or "stimulate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "discourage".

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