You can describe a person or thing that causes a change or event to happen as a catalyst .
例句
I very much hope that this case will prove to be a catalyst for change...我非常希望这起事件能催生变革。He said he saw the bank's role as a catalyst to encourage foreign direct investment.他说,他认为银行就应该起到刺激外国直接投资的作用。
N-COUNT
(化学)催化剂
In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that causes a chemical reaction to take place more quickly.
英汉词典释义
n.
<化>催化剂,触媒
A catalyst is a substance which speeds up a chemical reaction.催化剂是一种能加速化学反应的物质。It acts as a catalyst in the process of fermentation.它在发酵过程中起触媒的作用。
促进因素;有感染力的人,能激发对方的人
The workers’ demand for better conditions was a catalyst for social change.工人们要求改善工作条件促进了社会变革。
英英词典释义
Noun
1. (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
2. something that causes an important event to happen;
"the invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country"