引发 (yǐn fā) — to cause; to trigger; to lead to
Definition
引发 is more formal/written than 引起 and pairs with both events (discussion, conflict) and emotions (outrage, fear). It leans toward triggering a chain reaction, while 导致 focuses on bringing about a (usually negative) outcome.
verb
to causeto triggerto lead to
Examples
- 引发。Tā de bú dàng yán lùn yǐn fā le zhòng nù.His inappropriate remarks triggered public outrage.
- 引发。Zhè xiàng xīn zhèng cè yǐn fā le guǎng fàn tǎo lùn.This new policy has sparked widespread discussion.
- 引发。Yí jù wán xiào huà yǐn fā le yì chǎng wù huì.A joke led to a misunderstanding.
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