chain reaction

noun

1

a

: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next

b

: a number of events triggered by the same initial event

2

: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

chain-react

ˈchān-rē-ˈakt 

intransitive verb

Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence

Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.

Recent Examples on the Web

This literal Black eye for AEW sparked a chain reaction that led to Danhausen’s eventual release in 2026. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Among the 20 people injured in the chain reaction crash were the Uber driver, a 1-year-old who suffered a broken foot and an 11-year-old girl whose right leg had to be amputated. — Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026

When a heinous crime sets off a chain reaction of mutual care and resistance within a trans community, two trans women search for the perpetrator that leads to the highest reaches of government. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2026

But Nelson hopes his story will spark a chain reaction, raising awareness and expanding the protocol to hospitals nationwide. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for chain reaction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Kids Definition

chain reaction

noun

1

: a series of events so related to each other that each one sets the next one going

2

: a chemical or nuclear reaction producing energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

Medical Definition

chain reaction

noun

: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind