Meaning & use
trigger
To cause a process, event, or reaction to begin, often suddenly or unexpectedly.
See it in a sentence
A single spark was enough to trigger the massive explosion at the factory.
Stress at work can trigger headaches that last for the rest of the day.
A note on using this word
Informally, 'triggered' describes feeling a sudden, strong negative emotional reaction, often linked to a past experience.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. noun
The lever pulled to fire a gun or activate a mechanical device.
He kept his finger off the trigger until he was ready to shoot.
3. verb
Informal: to cause someone to feel a sudden, intense negative emotion.
The graphic scene in the film triggered memories she had tried hard to forget.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “trigger”, then compare your use with the examples above.