When it comes to expressing cause and effect, language is constantly evolving. From everyday conversation to social media banter, new slang terms for “lead-to” are popping up all the time. In this article, we’ve gathered the top slang phrases that describe the chain reaction of events, so you can stay up-to-date and sound effortlessly cool in any conversation. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and discover the perfect phrases to describe how one thing leads to another!
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1. Result in
This phrase is used to indicate that a specific action or event leads to a particular outcome or consequence.
- For example, “Skipping breakfast can result in low energy levels throughout the day.”
- In a discussion about climate change, one might say, “Increased greenhouse gas emissions result in rising global temperatures.”
- A teacher might warn students, “Procrastination will result in poor grades.”
2. Bring on
This slang phrase means to cause or initiate something, often with the implication that the action will lead to a specific outcome or consequence.
- For instance, “Eating spicy food can bring on heartburn.”
- In a conversation about exercise, someone might say, “Running can bring on a feeling of euphoria.”
- A person discussing stress might say, “Too much work can bring on anxiety.”
3. Trigger
To trigger something means to cause it or set it off, often referring to an emotional or psychological response.
- For example, “The sight of blood can trigger a feeling of nausea.”
- In a discussion about trauma, someone might say, “Certain smells can trigger flashbacks.”
- A person discussing allergies might say, “Pollen can trigger an allergic reaction.”
4. Spark
This word is used to describe the action of initiating or causing something, often with the implication that it will lead to a larger event or outcome.
- For instance, “A small disagreement can spark a heated argument.”
- In a conversation about creativity, someone might say, “A new idea can spark innovation.”
- A person discussing relationships might say, “A shared interest can spark a connection.”
5. Prompt
To prompt something means to encourage or inspire it, often with the intention of leading to a specific action or result.
- For example, “A challenging question can prompt critical thinking.”
- In a discussion about motivation, someone might say, “Setting goals can prompt action.”
- A teacher might prompt students to participate in a class discussion.
6. Generate
To produce or bring into existence something new or original. “Generate” is often used to describe the process of creating something, such as ideas, energy, or power.
- For example, a scientist might say, “The experiment will generate valuable data.”
- A business owner might discuss ways to “generate more revenue for the company.”
- In a discussion about renewable energy, someone might mention, “Solar panels can generate electricity from sunlight.”
7. Instigate
To initiate or cause a particular action or event to happen. “Instigate” often implies intentionally starting something, especially something negative or controversial.
- For instance, a person might say, “His comments instigated a heated argument.”
- In a political context, someone might accuse a leader of trying to “instigate a conflict.”
- A parent might warn their child, “Don’t instigate a fight with your sibling.”
8. Propel
To push or drive something or someone forward in a forceful or powerful manner. “Propel” suggests a strong and continuous force that moves something forward.
- For example, a swimmer might use their arms to “propel themselves through the water.”
- In a discussion about technology, someone might mention, “Electric motors are used to propel electric vehicles.”
- A business owner might say, “Innovation is what propels our company forward.”
9. Induce
To cause or bring about a particular state, condition, or effect. “Induce” often implies influencing or persuading someone or something to do or experience something.
- For instance, a doctor might “induce labor” to start the birthing process.
- A speaker might try to “induce excitement” in the audience during a presentation.
- In a discussion about marketing, someone might talk about strategies to “induce customer loyalty.”
10. Elicit
To evoke or draw out a response, reaction, or information from someone or something. “Elicit” often implies skillful or intentional efforts to obtain a particular response or information.
- For example, a teacher might ask a question to “elicit student participation.”
- A detective might use specific techniques to “elicit a confession” from a suspect.
- In a discussion about art, someone might say, “The painting elicits strong emotions from viewers.”
11. Provoke
To provoke means to intentionally or unintentionally cause a reaction or response from someone or something. It often involves instigating a strong emotional or behavioral response.
- For example, a controversial statement might provoke anger or outrage from a crowd.
- A person might say, “Don’t provoke him, he has a short temper.”
- In a political debate, one might argue, “His comments are meant to provoke division among voters.”
12. Engender
Engender means to bring about or give rise to a particular situation or feeling. It implies the creation or development of something, often in a gradual or natural way.
- For instance, a successful business might engender a sense of pride and accomplishment among its employees.
- A person might say, “Her actions engendered trust and loyalty among her friends.”
- In a discussion about social change, one might argue, “Education can engender a more inclusive and equal society.”
13. Spawn
Spawn means to produce or generate something, often in large quantities or as a result of a specific action or event. It can refer to the creation or emergence of new ideas, concepts, or entities.
- For example, a successful product might spawn numerous imitations or spin-offs.
- A person might say, “The internet has spawned a whole new generation of entrepreneurs.”
- In a discussion about artistic influence, one might argue, “His work spawned a new movement in contemporary art.”
14. Catalyze
Catalyze means to initiate or accelerate a process or reaction. It implies the act of causing or facilitating a change or transformation.
- For instance, a groundbreaking scientific discovery might catalyze further research and development in a specific field.
- A person might say, “Her speech catalyzed a movement for social justice.”
- In a discussion about economic growth, one might argue, “Investment in infrastructure can catalyze job creation and stimulate the economy.”
15. Precipitate
Precipitate means to cause or bring about a sudden or unexpected event or outcome. It often implies the occurrence of something sooner than expected or without warning.
- For example, a sudden change in weather conditions might precipitate a storm.
- A person might say, “His reckless behavior precipitated his downfall.”
- In a discussion about political unrest, one might argue, “The government’s actions could precipitate a crisis.”
16. Incite
To incite means to provoke or stimulate strong feelings, actions, or reactions in someone or a group of people. It often implies the intention to create a specific outcome or result.
- For example, “The politician’s speech incited a riot among the crowd.”
- In a discussion about social change, someone might say, “We need to incite a revolution to bring about real progress.”
- A news article might state, “The controversial decision by the court incited public outrage.”
17. Set off
To set off means to cause something to happen or begin suddenly. It implies that a specific action or event leads to a chain reaction or series of consequences.
- For instance, “The loud noise set off a panic among the crowd.”
- In a conversation about allergies, someone might say, “Pollen can set off a severe allergic reaction.”
- A news headline might read, “The economic crisis set off a wave of layoffs.”
18. Kick-start
To kick-start means to initiate or start something, especially with a burst of energy or enthusiasm. It often implies giving a boost to something that has been stagnant or slow to progress.
- For example, “A cup of coffee can kick-start your day.”
- In a discussion about business growth, someone might say, “We need to kick-start our marketing efforts to attract new customers.”
- A motivational speaker might encourage the audience by saying, “It’s never too late to kick-start your dreams.”
19. Galvanize
To galvanize means to stimulate or inspire someone to take action or make a change. It often implies a sense of urgency or a need for immediate response.
- For instance, “The tragic event galvanized the community to come together and support each other.”
- In a conversation about environmental activism, someone might say, “We need to galvanize people to take action against climate change.”
- A news report might state, “The shocking revelation galvanized the government to implement stricter regulations.”
20. Ignite
To ignite means to cause something to catch fire or burst into flames. In a figurative sense, it means to trigger or initiate an event or process, often with great intensity or passion.
- For example, “His speech ignited a fire of inspiration in the audience.”
- In a discussion about conflicts, someone might say, “A small disagreement can quickly ignite into a full-blown argument.”
- A news headline might read, “The controversial decision ignited a wave of protests across the country.”
21. Stir up
To “stir up” means to cause trouble or provoke a reaction, often by inciting emotions or actions in others.
- For example, “His comments on social media really stirred up a heated debate.”
- In a political context, someone might say, “The candidate’s controversial statements are intended to stir up support among their base.”
- A person discussing a contentious issue might argue, “We need to find common ground instead of constantly stirring up conflict.”