godan verb (-su), transitive verb
cause; induce; bring about; provoke
Broadly used for causing events, situations, or reactions, often with negative or significant outcomes. Can be used with abstract nouns like 問題, 混乱, 議論, etc.
その発言が大きな論争を引き起こした。
That remark provoked a major controversy.
地震が津波を引き起こすことがある。
Earthquakes can cause tsunamis.
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
pull upright; help up
Physical action of pulling something or someone to an upright position, such as helping a fallen person stand. Less common than the causative sense.
倒れた人を引き起こしてあげた。
I helped the fallen person up.
倒れた自転車を引き起こす。
I pull the fallen bicycle upright.