verb (used with object), cat·a·lyzed, cat·a·lyz·ing.
- to act upon by catalysis.
1890, back-formation from catalysis on model of analyze/analysis. Related: Catalyzed; catalyzing. Probably influenced by French catalyser (1842).
v.
- To modify, especially to increase, the rate of a chemical reaction by catalysis.
- To modify, especially to increase, the rate of a chemical reaction through the action of a catalyst.