catalyst
KAT-uh-list
/ˈkæt.əl.ɪst/
A person, event, or thing that precipitates or speeds up a significant change or action.
Triggers rapid change without necessarily being consumed or fundamentally altered itself.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'katalysis' (a dissolving or loosening down). Originally introduced in 19th-century chemistry to describe substances that accelerate chemical reactions without undergoing permanent change.
Word relationships
- spark: 'Spark' is a more informal metaphor for initiation, while catalyst emphasizes accelerating transformation.
- impetus: 'Impetus' refers to the force or momentum that keeps something moving rather than the triggering agent.
- deterrent: A deterrent prevents or inhibits action or change.
Commonly confused with
- cause: A cause is the origin of an outcome; a catalyst specifically accelerates or triggers a rapid transformation.
Word family
- catalysis (noun): The acceleration of a chemical reaction or process.
- catalytic (adjective): Relating to or causing acceleration of change.
- catalyze (verb): To cause or accelerate a process.
Collocations
- primary catalyst
- catalyst for change
- act as a catalyst
- serve as a catalyst
Example sentences
- "The unexpected arrival of the mysterious letter served as the primary catalyst for the story's dramatic climax." Plot Mechanics
- "The economic crisis proved to be the catalyst for sweeping social and political reforms." Historical Analysis
Memory hook
CATALYST = CATAPULTing events into motion. The spark that ignites explosive narrative momentum.
When not to use
Do not use for slow, gradual influences; a catalyst causes immediate or decisive acceleration of events.
Fun facts
- In screenwriting, the 'catalyst' is traditionally expected to happen around page 12 of a standard 120-page feature script.
Explore more words
catalyze, precipitate, accelerate, galvanize, ferment, enzyme
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.