1. past tense and past participle of catalyse; to cause or accelerate a chemical reaction by acting as a catalyst
Usage: British spelling; American English uses 'catalyzed'; chemistry term
2. to bring about or precipitate (an event or change); to serve as a catalyst for something
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The enzyme catalysed the breakdown of glucose in the cell.
• The new policy catalysed widespread reform across the industry.
• Rising temperatures catalysed the chemical reaction faster than expected.
• Her speech catalysed a movement for social change.
• The discovery catalysed further research into renewable energy.
• Metal ions catalysed the oxidation process in the laboratory.