What is the difference between 引き起こす and 起こす?


The word 起こす has many meanings. One of them in particular (see entry 3.
[here](https://jisho.org/search/%E8%B5%B7%20%E3%81%8A%E3%81%93%E3%81%99)):

>   3. to cause; to bring about; to lead to; to trigger; to give rise to; to
> create; to generate (e.g. heat, electricity); to produce
>

For this particular meaning of 起こす, what is the difference when compared to
引き起こす (see entry 1.
[here](https://jisho.org/search/%E5%BC%95%E3%81%8D%E8%B5%B7%E3%81%93%E3%81%99))?

>   1. to cause; to induce; to bring about; to provoke
>

Are there any differences or are they interchangeable?




They are pretty much interchangeable. However, there are slight nuances that
you should be aware about.

For example, consider

> ストレスはニキビを起こす。 Stress causes pimples.

> ストレスはニキビを引き起こす。 Stress causes pimples.

Both makes sense because stress causes pimples. However, 引き起こす is a better
choice in this case as it has a second meaning of "pulling upright", which
mirrors the image of pimples erecting from the surface of the skin.

Other than that, they have essentially the same meaning and use.

