: 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.
Did you know?
Word History of Catalyst
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.
Example Sentences
The bombing attack was the catalyst for war. She was proud to be a catalyst for reform in the government.
Recent Examples on the WebNoonan said during a Monday interview it’s a good thing FCC is experienced in fielding teams without the catalyst. Pat Brennan, The Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2022 The catalyst for Honest Tea came in 1997, when Goldman — then working for Bethesda’s Calvert Investments but looking to do something more entrepreneurial — went for a run in New York City during a business trip. Graham Vyse, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2022 Another possible catalyst: the cooler weather also makes transmission indoors more likely. Jonathan Saltzman, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2022 In Gus’s case, finding what brings him joy, purpose seems the catalyst. Trey Williams, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2022 But when looking to New Orleans for a good time, remember to look to us as the experts of our own stories and the catalyst for what collective healing and rebuilding can and should be, as injustices persist and climate continues to change. Cierra Chenier, Essence, 24 Aug. 2022 Kapler called Belt a catalyst and a key to the team’s record the past week. Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 July 2022 Brown, a senior captain who is committed to Tufts, served as a catalyst for the Patriots’ run to the Division 1 state semifinals last season, scoring three of his seven goals in the playoffs as a defensive midfielder. Cam Kerry, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2022 Hawk originally envisioned the event as a catalyst to get vert skateboarding into the Olympics. Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, 23 Aug. 2022 See More