Vitalize

Vitalize is a verb meaning to give vitality, energy, or vigor to something. It can refer to re-energizing a person, making a system more lively, or stimulating growth and activity in processes, organizations, or ecosystems. The word derives from Latin vita, meaning life, and has entered English through various routes, with American English favoring vitalize and British English often using vitalise. A related noun is vitalization, and the closely related revitalization denotes the broader revival of life, strength, or efficiency.

Usage notes: Vitalize emphasizes imparting vitality to something that is lacking energy or life, rather than simply renewing it after a long decline. It is common in business, health, agriculture, and marketing language to suggest a boost or activation. In medicine or biology, vitalizing procedures or therapies aim to restore vigor or functional capacity, though more precise terms such as rejuvenation or rehabilitation may be preferred in clinical contexts.

Synonyms include invigorate, energize, animate, revive, and galvanize. Distinctions exist: revitalization generally connotes a reconstruction or revival after downturn, while vitalization stresses an infusion of vitality to proceed with renewed activity.

Examples: Regular exercise can vitalize the body; a fresh infusion of funding can vitalize a stalled project; urban planners speak of vitalizing a city through cultural and economic activity. See also revitalization, energization, invigorate.