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
Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence
Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
The most dangerous scenario is one in which an Indian military response provokes a stronger Pakistani counterstrike, setting off a chain reaction that neither side can easily control.
—
Sushant Singh, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025
But just two days before the event, an unexpected crisis set off a chain reaction.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Similar to a butterfly effect, a loss event that happens in a specific industry or geography can create a chain reaction with wide repercussions.
—Vince Tizzio, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
As a result of the aging infrastructure and rising power consumption, the Grid is now more vulnerable to cascading failures, in which the failure of one component triggers a chain reaction of failures.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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Sushant Singh, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025
But just two days before the event, an unexpected crisis set off a chain reaction.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Similar to a butterfly effect, a loss event that happens in a specific industry or geography can create a chain reaction with wide repercussions.
—Vince Tizzio, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
As a result of the aging infrastructure and rising power consumption, the Grid is now more vulnerable to cascading failures, in which the failure of one component triggers a chain reaction of failures.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
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