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.

Example Sentences

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

Soccer SoFi Stadium and Rose Bowl are among venue finalists for 2026 World Cup matches June 16, 2022 Sadly, Ekstrom believes framing the issue that way might be the best way to force action on gun control and the 2026 World Cup has the potential to be a catalyst. —Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2023

The precious metal’s strong run-up so far in 2023 has left it in need of a catalyst to break beyond its record high, the World Gold Council says in its monthly report. —wsj.com, 11 May 2023

City government no longer needs or is underusing the properties and is hoping redevelopment would be a catalyst for the area. —Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 10 May 2023

This duo has been the catalyst for just about every Reds’ comeback this season, and India and Friedl completely turned Saturday’s game around. —Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 7 May 2023

The pandemic was a major catalyst in calling for actionable steps to achieve healthier indoor air. —Jennifer Nuckles, Forbes, 5 May 2023

Mechanically speaking, the trigger is the catalyst that sets off a chain of events, starting with the release of the firing pin, which flies forward, striking a tiny explosive charge located in the base of the bullet. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 15 Apr. 2023

Spring’s severe weather season is the catalyst behind this weekend’s sales tax holiday for emergency supplies. —Maria Halkias, Dallas News, 14 Apr. 2023

Experiencing a job loss can negatively affect people’s mental health and be the catalyst for lingering feelings of self-doubt and low self-confidence, even in subsequent jobs. —Alexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 12 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing catalyst

• co-catalyst

• co-catalyst

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