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catalyst

/ˈkæt.əl.ɪst/
noun
  1. A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

  2. Someone or something that encourages progress or change.

    "Economic development and integration are working as a catalyst for peace."

  3. An inciting incident that sets the successive conflict into motion.

Synonymsstimulus, straw that stirs the drink
Antonymsinhibitor, dampener

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catalyst — meaning, definition & examples | WordNote | WordNote