What does vitalise mean?
Vitalise means to bring life, energy, or renewed activity to something. It is especially used for people, communities, institutions, discussions, and economies that have become dull, inactive, or neglected, as in “the project helped to vitalise the local economy.” The word can describe both a physical sense of being made more vigorous and a figurative sense of being made more engaging or effective. It is often associated with renewal and development, and its tone is generally positive rather than merely descriptive. Although related to the adjective vital, vitalise is a transitive verb and normally requires an object. British and American English differ mainly in spelling: British usage generally writes vitalise, while US usage generally writes vitalize. The word is useful when describing the effect of an initiative, person, or change that restores activity, confidence, or momentum to a person or organization.
To make something or someone more alive, energetic, enthusiastic, or dynamic; to invigorate.
"The festival helped to vitalise the town centre during the winter months."
Often used figuratively for communities, institutions, discussions, and economies, as well as for people and organizations.
To make something active, important, or effective, especially by giving it renewed interest or support.
"The campaign sought to vitalise public discussion of climate policy."
This is a figurative extension of the main sense and commonly appears with subjects such as debate, the economy, and public life.
From giving a human body life to giving a community fresh energy, vitalise captures the moment something begins to feel alive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vitalise come from?
Vitalise was formed in the 19th century from the adjective vital and the suffix -ise. The adjective vital comes through French from Latin vitalis, meaning “of or pertaining to life,” which derives from vita, “life.” Related English words include vitality, vitamin, and vitalism, reflecting the same broad Latin family of life and living things.
Related word forms
How vitalise is actually used
It is commonly transitive, taking an object such as a person, place, discussion, or economy. The British spelling is vitalise, while US English more often uses vitalize.
Easily confused with vitalise
Vitalise means to give life, energy, or activity to something, whereas visualise means to form a mental image of it.