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

But Gibbs has been a catalyst for this offense, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl honors to begin his career. —Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Looking ahead, Goldman analyst Eric Sheridan expects artificial intelligence to be a catalyst for internet stocks in his coverage universe, seeing the technology as a continuous driver for growth as applications expand. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 28 May 2025

Maybe, Barksdale said, Wednesday’s game is a catalyst for a future WNBA expansion franchise in Baltimore (the league recently announced additional teams in San Francisco, Toronto and Portland over the next two seasons, raising its total to 15). —Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 28 May 2025

The Rangers’ recent success seems to be strong catalyst for this sentiment. —Alyssa Cooper, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 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