catalyst

In helping audiences understand what is happening around them and reckon with their fears, comedy is both a collective coping mechanism and a catalyst for unfettered, clear-eyed thought.

Dr Joanne Summers, Luton Borough Council's principal educational psychologist, says the condition can appear suddenly but "when you look back, there has been anxiety around being in school" and one incident might be a "catalyst".

The 22-year-old student at Utah Valley University had watched Charlie Kirk's videos for years and credits the conservative firebrand with being a catalyst in his own political involvement.

While the ban was a catalyst for the current unrest, protesters are also channelling a more deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the country's authorities.

Newsrooms being breeding grounds for gallows humor, most also understand that futility is a terrific comedy catalyst.