kiváltani

Kiváltani is a Hungarian verb meaning to trigger, induce, provoke, or cause a reaction, effect, or event. It is a transitive verb and is typically used with a direct object such as a reaction, symptom, or occurrence. For example, a sentence like “A gyógyszer kiváltotta a reakciót” translates as “The drug triggered the reaction.” Another common usage is “kiváltani egy reflexet” (to elicit a reflex).

Usage and scope

The verb is widely used in scientific, medical, and technical contexts, where it describes situations in which one factor or stimulus causes another outcome. It can also appear in more general discourse to indicate that something has caused or brought about a change. In everyday language, synonyms such as okozni or előidézni may be used, but kiváltani carries a nuance of a direct, often sudden triggering event or chain of events.

Etymology and related forms

Kiváltani is derived from the prefix ki- (out, outward) combined with válik (to become), conveying the idea of bringing about a result from an external cause. Related forms include kiváltó, meaning triggering or precipitating, used as an adjective or noun (for example, kiváltó tényező, “triggering factor”). The noun form kiváltás refers to the act of triggering.

Grammar and usage notes

Kiváltani is used with a direct object, typically in constructions like kiváltani egy reakciót or kiváltani egy hatást. The verb inflects regularly: present tense kiváltok/kiváltasz/kiváltja, past tense kiváltottam/kiváltottad/kiváltotta, and infinitive kiváltani. It is common to discuss the factors that trigger or precipitate an outcome, using phrases such as a kiváltó ok or a kiváltó tényező.