The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To plate, as with gold, silver, etc., by means of
      electricity.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. To coat, as iron, with zinc. See Galvanized iron.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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