energise

Energise is a verb with two primary senses. It can mean to supply energy or power to something, such as energising a circuit by applying electrical power. It can also mean to stimulate, invigorate, or activate a person, group, or situation, often in a metaphorical sense.

Etymology and spelling: the word comes from energy plus the suffix -ise. In British English it is spelled energise, while American English typically uses energize. Related forms include energised and energising in British usage, and energized and energizing in American usage. The root energy itself derives from the Greek ergon, meaning work.

Usage and contexts: technical contexts use energise to describe applying voltage to equipment or bringing a system to an active state. In everyday language, it describes increasing vitality or motivation—energising a team, an audience, or a campaign. In politics or marketing, a message or strategy may be designed to energise supporters or customers.

Nuance and synonyms: energise implies initiating or restoring activity and momentum, often with a positive or proactive connotation. Synonyms include invigorate, stimulate, animate, and spur. The related noun energisation (British) or energization (American) denotes the act or process of energising.

See also: energy, energization, energizer. These terms connect to the broader concepts of power provision, vitality, and activation across technical, social, and commercial domains.