catalyst

noun

cat·​a·​lyst ˈka-tə-ləst 

1

: 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.

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Word History of Catalyst

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

Should the stock begin to recover from this pullback, there's ample room for upgrades and positive revisions, which could serve as a further catalyst. —Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

One Boise developer hopes his upcoming project on the Boise Bench could be the catalyst for just that, while another is hoping to build a condo complex with 11 swimming pools across the street. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2025

But despite the downturn and tariff jitters, major online players, including fashion platforms, continue to see the home category as a prime catalyst for business. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025

The region’s governments, supported by international donors such as the World Bank and USAID, wanted to use the devastating moment as a catalyst for change. —Mara Kardas-Nelson, The Dial, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing catalyst

• co-catalyst

Rhymes for catalyst

• catalysed

Kids Definition

catalyst

noun

cat·​a·​lyst ˈkat-ᵊl-əst 

1

: a substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction but is itself unchanged at the end of the process

especially : such a substance that speeds up a reaction or enables it to proceed under milder conditions

2

: a person or event that quickly causes change or action

the scandal was a catalyst for reform

Medical Definition

catalyst

noun

cat·​a·​lyst ˈkat-ᵊl-əst 

: a substance (as an enzyme) that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible