a method of preventing rust on steel and making it more durable to the elements. It involves dipping metal into a hot bath of zinc rich paint which when dry helps prevent corrosion. It is typically applied to metals in areas of high moisture or outdoors.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
galvanize (verb)transitive verb
1.
a) to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically - galvanize a muscle
b) to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock - an issue that would galvanize public opinion
2.
intransitive verb
to coat (iron or steel) with zinc , especially to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy to react as if stimulated by an electric shock - they galvanized into action