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

Their defensive responses often trigger chain reactions of escalating blame, drawing others into their conflict narrative. —Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

The collapse of Celsius was part of a chain reaction—beginning with the fall of Terra Luna and culminating with the collapse of crypto exchange FTX in November 2022—that brought the crypto industry to its knees. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 4 Dec. 2024

Several senators, mostly Republicans, warned that the bill could set off a chain reaction of unintended consequences by eliminating the two provisions. —Maya C. Miller, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2024

Even if the glacier's entire ice shelf were to collapse today, the resulting ice cliffs would likely not be tall enough to crumble and trigger the catastrophic chain reaction previously feared. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 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