1. to cause or accelerate a chemical reaction by acting as a catalyst
Usage: third person singular present tense of catalyze; chemistry
2. to bring about or initiate an event or process
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The enzyme catalyses the breakdown of proteins in the digestive system.
• Heat catalyses many chemical reactions in the laboratory.
• The platinum surface catalyses the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.
• Her speech catalyses a movement for social change.
• The new policy catalyses innovation in the technology sector.
• Sunlight catalyses the photosynthesis process in plants.