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

That sets off a chain reaction—with domestic storage filling up and then forcing the shuttering of production. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026

This chain reaction — a photoelectric feedback loop — produces intense radiation bursts of X-rays and gamma rays that can reach deep space. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026

Today's action by the 45th and 47th President of the United States will make the world a safer place and start a chain reaction of peace. —Sean Gregory, Time, 6 Mar. 2026

Trustworthy words prevent that chain reaction. —Adam Dietz, Big Think, 24 Feb. 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