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

Instead of the traditional coupling, the women kissed two men before choosing their partners, setting off a chain reaction of shifting loyalties and flaring tensions. —Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025

After a Rube Goldberg-like chain reaction leads to explosions and a breakdown in the structure, everyone in the Skyview restaurant either falls to their death or burns alive in the tower. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

The split caused a chain reaction, and within a span of 14 months, Christine's fellow sister wives Janelle Brown and Meri Brown left the relationship in December 2022. —Esther Kang, People.com, 14 May 2025

While two cars managed to stop in time as the van sat still, a third vehicle slammed into the rear vehicle, causing a chain reaction. —Pilar Arias , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2025

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