Definition of CATALYST (original) (raw)

: 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

: 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.

Did you know?

Catalyst is a fairly recent addition to the English language, first appearing at the start of the 20th 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Photography acts as a catalyst for understanding and compassion, inspiring action and fostering meaningful connections. —Photovogue, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025 Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill had no time for critics who used officiating as a catalyst for the team’s AFC Championship win or those who complained about the team making the Super Bowl for the third consecutive time. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025 President Trump’s interview on Fox News was widely cited as the catalyst for Hong Kong and Mainland China markets’ outperformance overnight. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Hosting football also has had other impacts such as serving as a catalyst to bring in other big events. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for catalyst