catalyst

[kat-l-ist]

noun

1. Chemistry.,  a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.

2. something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected.

3. a person or thing that precipitates an event or change.

   His imprisonment by the government served as the catalyst that helped transform social unrest into revolution.

4. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.

catalyst

/ ˈkætəlɪst /

noun

1. a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical change Compare inhibitor

2. a person or thing that causes a change

catalyst

1. A substance that starts or speeds up a chemical reaction while undergoing no permanent change itself. The enzymes in saliva, for example, are catalysts in digestion.

catalyst

1. In chemistry, a substance that causes a chemical reaction to occur but is not itself involved in the reaction.

The term catalyst is often used to refer to the prime agent of any change: “She was the catalyst for the reorganization.”

Other Word Forms

• self-catalyst noun
• semicatalyst noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catalyst¹

First recorded in 1900–05; cataly(sis) + (-i)st

Example Sentences

Naturally, the untrustworthy Taylor is the play’s catalyst.

From Los Angeles Times

Direct pressure from the White House was the immediate catalyst for ABC’s decision to briefly pull the plug on Kimmel.

From Salon

Hopefully this is a catalyst for United to have a really good go at this season.

From BBC

She added: "The High Seas Treaty will be a positive catalyst for collaboration across international waters and agreements and is a turning point for two-thirds of the world's ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction."

From BBC

“This project will be transformative for downtown, and I truly believe the catalyst for future investment and redevelopment,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• impetus 
• incentive 
• motivation 
• stimulant