# galvanized

/ˈɡæɫvəˌnaɪzd/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/galvanized
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

feeling suddenly motivated or excited to take action. It describes someone who has been shocked into doing something important.

For teachers: stimulated into sudden activity or excitement, often through a shock or a powerful appeal. Frequently used to describe a group or individual responding to a crisis.

## Examples

- The community felt galvanized by the new environmental report.
- The local residents were galvanized into action after the council announced plans to close the park.
- A galvanized electorate can shift the political landscape overnight, provided that the initial spark of outrage is channeled into a sustainable movement for reform.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The speech galvanized to the crowd" but "The speech galvanized the crowd" — When used as a verb, it is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb or appears in the passive voice with the preposition 'into' or 'by'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.