1. to increase the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance that is not itself consumed
Usage: chemistry; British spelling; American spelling is 'catalyze'
2. to cause or bring about a change or action
Usage: figurative

Examples

• An enzyme catalyses the breakdown of proteins in the digestive system.
• The new policy catalysed a wave of innovation in the industry.
• Heat catalyses the reaction between the two chemicals.
• Social media catalysed the spread of the movement across the country.
• A platinum catalyst catalyses the oxidation of carbon monoxide.
• The crisis catalysed urgent reforms in the organization.