catabolize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “catabolize” mean?
To break down complex molecules in living organisms to release energy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To break down complex molecules in living organisms to release energy.
To subject (a substance) to catabolism; to undergo metabolic breakdown. Can be used metaphorically to describe the systematic deconstruction or breakdown of a complex system or idea into simpler components, often with a release of energy or resources.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The British spelling preference is 'catabolise', while the American is 'catabolize'. Usage is equally technical and specialised in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral scientific/medical term in both. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Equally rare and confined to biochemistry, physiology, and related academic/technical fields in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “catabolize” in a Sentence
NP ___ NP (transitive: Enzymes catabolize the substrate.)NP ___ (intransitive: During fasting, the body begins to catabolize.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catabolize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The muscle tissue will catabolise during prolonged starvation.
- Researchers observed the bacteria catabolising the pollutant.
American English
- The liver catabolizes alcohol as a priority.
- The fungus can catabolize a wide range of hydrocarbons.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Catabolic' is related but distinct.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Catabolic' is related but distinct.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. A metaphorical extension might be 'The company had to catabolize its older divisions to fund innovation.'
Academic
Primary domain. Used in biochemistry, biology, and medical texts/papers. 'The study examined how yeast cells catabolize sucrose under stress.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone with specific scientific training explaining a concept.
Technical
Core usage. Standard term in laboratory reports, pharmacology, and physiology. 'The liver catabolizes toxins for excretion.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catabolize”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “catabolize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catabolize”
- Confusing 'catabolize' (break down) with 'metabolize' (which encompasses both build-up and break-down).
- Using it in non-scientific contexts where 'break down' or 'dismantle' would be clearer.
- Misspelling as 'catabolyze' or 'catabolise' in American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Metabolize' is the broader umbrella term for all chemical processes in an organism, including both building up (anabolism) and breaking down (catabolism). 'Catabolize' refers specifically to the breakdown part of metabolism.
It is primarily a biological term. However, it can be used metaphorically in academic or analytical writing to describe the deconstruction of complex systems, ideas, or structures, though this is rare.
Both are correct. 'Catabolise' is the standard British English spelling, while 'catabolize' is standard in American English. The 'z' spelling is also common in international scientific publications.
It is exclusively a verb. The related noun is 'catabolism', and the adjective is 'catabolic'.
To break down complex molecules in living organisms to release energy.
Catabolize is usually technical/scientific in register.
Catabolize: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈtæb.ə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈtæb.ə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAT eating (abolishing) a complex meal and breaking it down into simple parts for energy. CAT-ABOL-IZE.
Conceptual Metaphor
METABOLISM IS DISASSEMBLY / BREAKING DOWN COMPLEXITY IS CATABOLISM (e.g., 'The argument catabolized the complex theory into basic axioms.')
Practice
Quiz
Which process is the direct antonym of 'catabolize'?