Phrase guide

lead to

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To be a cause of.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The shock led to a change in his behaviour.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bring, bring about, bring on, cause, effect, effectuate, generate, induce, ingenerate, make, occasion, result in, secure, set off, stir, stir up, touch off, trigger

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lead, to.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I led the horse to the barn.
  • The path leads to a pond.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: llevar a — to be a cause of
  • Spanish: conducir a — to be a cause of
  • Spanish: desembocar en — to be a cause of
  • Spanish: llevar a — to lead to
  • Spanish: conducir a — to lead to
  • Spanish: desembocar en — to lead to
  • Spanish: dar a — to lead to