catalyse

/ˈkætəˌlaɪz/
verb
  1. To cause or accelerate a chemical reaction by adding a substance that is not consumed in the process.
    • Certain metals can catalyse the breakdown of pollutants in the air.
    • The chemist used a platinum wire to catalyse the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
    • Enzymes in the human body catalyse the digestion of food.
  2. To cause an important change or event to happen more quickly or effectively.
    • The invention of the internet catalysed a global shift in how people communicate.
    • The new law catalysed a wave of environmental reforms across the country.
    • Her speech catalysed the community into action to clean up the local park.
Antonyms
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