Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Galvanize \Gal"va*nize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Galvanized}; p pr.
   & vb. n. {Galvanizing}.] [Cf. F. galvaniser.]
   1. To affect with galvanism; to subject to the action of
      electrical currents.

   2. To plate, as with gold, silver, etc., by means of
      electricity.

   3. To restore to consciousness by galvanic action (as from a
      state of suspended animation); hence, to stimulate or
      excite to a factitious animation or activity.

   4. To coat, as iron, with zinc. See {Galvanized iron}.

   {Galvanized iron}, formerly, iron coated with zink by
      electrical deposition; now more commonly, iron coated with
      zink by plunging into a bath of melted zink, after its
      surface has been cleaned by friction with the aid of
      dilute acid.

Source : WordNet®

galvanize
     v 1: to stimulate to action ; "..startled him awake"; "galvanized
          into action" [syn: {startle}, {galvanise}]
     2: cover with zinc; "galvanize steel" [syn: {galvanise}]
     3: stimulate (muscles) by administering a shock [syn: {galvanise}]