ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌīz verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: vital (I) + -ize
transitive verb
1. : to endow with vitality : give life or animation to : make vigorous or active
vitalize the patriotism of a people
2. : to portray (as in writing or painting) with lifelike effect
intransitive verb
: to give life or animation
Synonyms:
energize , activate : vitalize signifies to arouse, usually something more or less inert or lifeless, to vital activity, often by communicating an impetus or force, or to impart significance or interest to (something) or make one aware of its inherent significance or interest, usually suggesting a vigor, freshness, or health in the effect
a force which can vitalize or destroy men — C.W.Cunnington
a power of description that vitalizes his words — Christian Science Monitor
energize implies an arousing to activity by an imparting of force, heat, or any power that increases capacity for activity, especially work, or an acting with a vitality presumably induced by such power
oats are, without doubt, the best energizing food for horses — Henry Wynmalen
storage batteries energize railroad block-signal circuits — J.A.Orsino & T.C.Lynes
activate stresses an arousing to activity by the influence of an external agent, especially in imparting or arousing a beneficial or integrating activity
breaks contact with the photoelectric cell and activates an alarm — Alan Hynd
the report has done much to crystallize and activate official and private opinion — Walter White