domino effect

The term "domino effect" originates from the visual of a row of standing dominoes falling one after another when the first one is knocked over.

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Definition

(common)A situation where one event initiates a chain of related events.

The closure of the factory caused a domino effect, leading to job losses and economic decline in the town.

(historical)The theory that a political event in one country will cause similar events in neighboring countries.

During the Cold War, the domino effect was a significant concern regarding the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "domino effect":