chain reaction

noun

1

a

: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next

b

: a number of events triggered by the same initial event

2

: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

chain-react

ˈchān-rē-ˈakt 

intransitive verb

Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence

Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Freak accidents streak through the storylines with kinetic, electrifying energy, igniting a chain reaction of over-the-top kills that coincide under extreme circumstances. —Michael Lee Simpson, EW.com, 26 Oct. 2024

Melissa’s 35th quickly turns into a chain reaction of unfortunate events that lead her to the hospital. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024

Cool water drawn up from the ocean depths due to the wind shift triggers a chain reaction of weather events. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024

Yet that’s enough time to cause a debilitating chain reaction. —Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

chain reaction

noun

1

: a series of events so related to each other that each one sets the next one going

2

: a chemical or nuclear reaction producing energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

Medical Definition

chain reaction

noun

: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind