引发 yǐnfā to lead to
to lead to; to trigger; to initiate; to cause; to evoke (emotions)
How to remember 引发: 引 pull + 发 send out = to lead to.
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How it is used
- To trigger / give rise to (usually something negative or notable): 引发争议 (yǐnfā zhēngyì) to spark controversy, 引发火灾 (to cause a fire).
- The object is a consequence - a reaction, event, or emotion set off by a cause.
- Compare 导致 (dǎozhì, to lead to a result); 引发 stresses igniting/setting off. News register.