domino effect

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noun

the cumulative effect that results when one event precipitates a series of like events.

Origin of domino effect

First recorded in 1965–70

Also called domino reaction.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for domino effect

knock-on

Examples from the Web for domino effect

Contemporary Examples of domino effect

Depending on what Wildstein has, and on whom, he might set off a domino-effect of people flipping, and then who knows.
Revenge of the Nerd: Wildstein Rats Out the Boss
Michael Tomasky
January 31, 2014

British Dictionary definitions for domino effect

domino effect

noun

a series of similar or related events occurring as a direct and inevitable result of one initial event

Word Origin for domino effect

C20: alluding to a row of dominoes, each standing on end, all of which fall when one is pushed: originally used with reference to possible Communist takeovers of countries in SE Asia

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012