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 decision sets off a chain reaction, exposing corruption, betrayal, and a deeper conspiracy within Southerly itself.
—
Grace Harrington, People.com, 8 July 2025
Once again, the initiation of fusion heats and compresses nearby material, creating a chain reaction that triggers widespread fusion in the white dwarf, blowing it to pieces as part of detonation two.
—ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025
No repeats means no chain reaction if one site gets hacked.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
The worst-case scenario is Kessler syndrome, a chain reaction in which the breakup of a few satellites cascades into a wipeout of everything in orbit.
—Tom Brown, Space.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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Grace Harrington, People.com, 8 July 2025
Once again, the initiation of fusion heats and compresses nearby material, creating a chain reaction that triggers widespread fusion in the white dwarf, blowing it to pieces as part of detonation two.
—ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025
No repeats means no chain reaction if one site gets hacked.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
The worst-case scenario is Kessler syndrome, a chain reaction in which the breakup of a few satellites cascades into a wipeout of everything in orbit.
—Tom Brown, Space.com, 28 June 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 Jul. 2025.
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