Catalyst

noun

/ˈkætəlɪst/

A person or thing that precipitates or accelerates significant change or action; in chemistry, a substance that increases the rate of a reaction while itself remaining chemically unchanged.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, served as a catalyst for grassroots democracy, transforming Panchayati Raj from a directive principle into a living institution of local self-governance.

Synonyms

stimulusspurtriggerimpetusagent of changespark

Antonyms

inhibitordeterrentbrakeimpediment

🌱 Word Family

catalyst (n), catalyse (v), catalysis (n), catalytic (adj), catalytically (adv), catalyser (n)

🔡 Root

Greek katalyein = to dissolve completely; kata- = down/completely; lyein = to loosen; English coinage c. 1900 on model of analyst

📜 Etymology

Coined in English c.1900, modelled on "analyst" and derived from "catalysis", ultimately from Greek katalyein "to dissolve, loosen completely" (kata- "down, completely" + lyein "to loosen"). Figurative sense by 1943.

🧠 Memory Hook

"Cata-" (down/completely) + "lyse" (loosen/break) — a catalyst "loosens things up" to set change in motion, just as it breaks down reaction barriers in chemistry without being consumed itself.

💰 Indian Economy 📖 Seen in: Indian Economy — Growth, Planning & De...

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