I'm looking for a word that describes an idea that captures people's attention and quickly eclipses discussions of other ideas related to a particular issue. Incendiary is almost the word, but without the suggestion of inflammatory content.
Thank you!
hot-button
: an emotional and usually controversial issue or concern that triggers immediate intense reaction
"Hot Button." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
burning issue or question
3: of fundamental importance : urgent < one of the burning issues of our time>
"Burning." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
Here are a few ideas that come to mind
flashpoint
Full Definition of flash point 1 : the lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame 2 : a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being (Merriam+Webster)
trigger
buzzword
gamechanger
Sockdolager can be used when a statement or action settles, finalizes or concludes anything.
flame-starter
in internet slang flame is used for a heated discussion, so I tend to use it for any strong opinionated discussion even outside the virtual realm
Seminal is possible, but you're looking for something more immediate. You could use a seminal paper, but maybe this isn't quite right, either.
Usurp could work too, but it has a negative connotation. Similarly for expropriate.
Commandeer: "Frank's idea commandeered the discussion".
Momentous: "Gödel's momentous theorem quickly eclipsed Russel's work".
Perhaps a phrase rather than single word okay?
take on a life of its own
to no longer be controlled by anyone
Once an earthquake starts, it takes on a life of its own.
Someone imagined it, and the idea took on a life of its own.
