catalyst

noun

cat·​a·​lyst ˈka-tə-ləst 

1

: a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible

2

: an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action

That waterway became the catalyst of the area's industrialization.

He was the catalyst in the native uprising.

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Word History of Catalyst

Catalyst is a fairly recent addition to the English language, first appearing at the start of the 20^th century with its chemistry meaning. It was formed from the word catalysis, another chemistry term which refers to a modification and especially an increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by material unchanged chemically at the end of the reaction. By the 1940s, the figurative sense of catalyst was in use for someone or something that quickly causes change or action.

Examples of catalyst in a Sentence

The bombing attack was the catalyst for war.

She was proud to be a catalyst for reform in the government.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to LinkedIn's Work Change report, 70% of skills used in most jobs will change by 2030, with AI as the primary catalyst. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

The firm sees no shortage of positive catalysts in the months ahead including a robust slate of upcoming films, growth in direct-to-consumer and more investment in the parks business. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 May 2025

It’s then revealed that the Skyview disaster has been the catalyst for the entire franchise, and everyone who has died in the previous films were either survivors of the incident or their descendants. —Keith Langston, People.com, 17 May 2025

Astonishing success in both domestic cups in their nine seasons under Pep Guardiola has been the catalyst for this unprecedented run, the reverence with which the Spaniard regards the English knockout competitions fuelling a determination to keep on winning them. —Thom Harris, New York Times, 17 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing catalyst

• co-catalyst

Rhymes for catalyst

• catalysed

Kids Definition

catalyst

noun

cat·​a·​lyst ˈkat-ᵊl-əst 

1

: a substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction but is itself unchanged at the end of the process

especially : such a substance that speeds up a reaction or enables it to proceed under milder conditions

2

: a person or event that quickly causes change or action

the scandal was a catalyst for reform

Medical Definition

catalyst

noun

cat·​a·​lyst ˈkat-ᵊl-əst 

: a substance (as an enzyme) that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible