galvanize

galvanize

verb.  to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock, to simulate someone into action

The word was coined to honor the 18th Century scientist Luigi Galvani, who found that a spark could make a frog's legs move.

"The extremists' brutal killing could backfire and galvanize other Sunni Muslims in the region against them."
"Such events promote health and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community and benefit charitable organizations."
"His passion galvanized his voters."

http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/galvanize