Galvanic    (pronounced gal-van-ik) adjective
and Galvanize    (pronounced gal-vuh-nyz) verb


Definition

GALVANIC = 1. of, relating to, or producing electric current, especially from a chemical action. 2. having the effect of, or produced as if by, an electric shock; causing sudden fright, surprise, or astonishment; extremely exciting; rousing.

GALVANIZE = to stimulate or arouse as if by electric shock; to stir to consciousness or action.

Main Example

  • The voter turnout in California's recall election was nearly 70% -- the highest in over two decades and 20 percentage points higher than during last November's midterm election. The political contest between Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger so galvanized Californians that during the days preceding the election, one could only hear "political talk" at restaurant tables!

    Workplace Examples

  • We've witnessed a stunning jump in productivity within the order-entry department! It appears the change in managers has had a galvanic effect on the employees.

  • If you want your plan to succeed, then you better move fast. Since it's so controversial, any delay could help galvanize opposition.

    Other Examples

  • a manager who is able to galvanize employees into taking on unpopular tasks or who can successfully galvanize support for the CEO's No. 1 priority

  • the galvanizing issue that enabled Bill Clinton to win the 1992 presidential election: the nation's poor economy

  • on sensing that the audience is becoming sleepy or listless, a seminar leader doing something galvanic to awaken them, such as suddenly asking everyone to stand up and draw a giant, imaginary "G" in the air

  • a galvanic speech or a galvanic dance performance; the unforgettable series of galvanic rulings from the Florida and U.S. Supreme Courts during the 2000 presidential election

  • the standoff with North Korea galvanizing a debate on what steps the U.S. should take to prevent a nuclear arms race in the Far East; the almost daily loss of American lives in Iraq galvanizing public opinion against a huge "reconstruction" package for that nation

    • © 2003 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Equanimity
    Idolatry and Idolatrous
    Unalloyed
    Insular
    Excoriate
    Perfunctory
    Realpolitik

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