1. substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process
Usage: chemistry
2. people or things that cause or accelerate change or action
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Enzymes are biological catalysts that help break down food in our bodies.
• Platinum and palladium are common catalysts used in car exhaust systems.
• The new teacher became a catalyst for positive changes in the school.
• Economic crises often serve as catalysts for political reform.
• Without catalysts, many industrial chemical processes would be too slow.
• The invention of the internet was a catalyst for the digital revolution.
• Social media platforms can act as catalysts for social movements.