1. caused or accelerated a chemical reaction by acting as a catalyst
Usage: chemistry
2. caused or triggered an event, process, or change

Examples

• The enzyme catalyzed the breakdown of proteins in the digestive system.
• Heat catalyzed the chemical reaction, making it occur much faster.
• The scandal catalyzed major reforms in the organization.
• Her speech catalyzed a movement for social change.
• The economic crisis catalyzed new government policies.
• The discovery catalyzed further research in the field.