reaction Definition
- 1a response to something that has happened or been said
- 2a chemical process in which substances are changed into others
Using reaction: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reaction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Her reaction to the news was one of shock and disbelief.
Example
The company's reaction to the crisis was swift and effective.
Example
The medication can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Example
The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas.
reaction Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using reaction
Example
He tends to have a knee-jerk reaction to any criticism.
Example
His reaction time was slow due to his fatigue.
Example
The announcement set off a chain reaction of protests.
Phrases with reaction
Example
The accident on the highway caused a chain reaction of collisions.
gut reaction
an instinctive feeling, without logical reasoning
Example
My gut reaction is that we should decline the offer.
an excessive or exaggerated response to a situation
Example
I think you're having an overreaction to the criticism.
Origins of reaction
from Late Latin 'reactio', from Latin 're-' (expressing reversal) + 'actio' (action)
Summary: reaction in Brief
The term 'reaction' [riˈækʃən] refers to a response to something that has happened or been said, or a chemical process in which substances are changed into others. It spans contexts from personal reactions to news or events, to chemical reactions like 'The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas.' 'Reaction' extends into phrases like 'chain reaction,' and idioms like 'have a knee-jerk reaction,' denoting quick, unthinking responses, and 'set off a reaction,' implying a series of events.
