引发 (yǐn fā): to trigger, to cause

The heavy rain triggered a landslide, blocking the road to the mountain village.

His inappropriate comments on social media sparked strong dissatisfaction among netizens, and many demanded a public apology.

A recent study has prompted widespread discussion about whether mobile phone radiation is harmful to health.

The wastewater discharged by the factory provoked protests from nearby residents, who worried that their drinking water source was being polluted.