catalyst
Something that causes or accelerates significant change
Examples
In a meeting
“The new CEO was the catalyst for organizational change.”
Over coffee
“Her comment was the catalyst for our big conversation.”
Why this word
trigger
Catalyst emphasizes enabling or accelerating change without being consumed, while trigger simply initiates
cause
Catalyst suggests facilitating change rather than directly causing it, while cause implies direct responsibility
factor
Catalyst specifically accelerates or enables change, while factor is any contributing element
Usage tip
Use when identifying the key trigger or driving force behind a major change or event
Etymology
Greek: katalysis (dissolution)
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Related words
revamp
To give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to something.
deteriorate
To become progressively worse over time.
pivot
Change direction or strategy while maintaining a central focus
backtrack
To reverse a previous decision or statement
deter
To discourage someone from taking an action
revert
To return to a previous state or practice