Trigger

/ˈtrɪɡər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a device that initiates a mechanism, especially in firearms.

She pulled the trigger and the gun fired.

an event or situation that causes something to happen.

The tragedy was the trigger for the community to come together.

a stimulus that provokes a reaction or response.

Stress can often be a trigger for anxiety.

verb

to cause something to happen or to set off an event.

The loud noise triggered an alarm.

to initiate a sequence of events or actions.

The announcement of the sale triggered a rush of customers.

to activate a device or mechanism.

He pulled the lever to trigger the machine.

Middle English, from Old French 'trigger', literally meaning 'to excite or stimulate'.

pull the trigger

To make a decision to act, often after considering it for some time.

trigger warning

A notice that a piece of content may evoke a traumatic memory or response.

triggered

A colloquial term for being emotionally affected or aggravated by something.

stimulus

Something that provokes a response or reaction.

catalyst

A substance or person that precipitates an event or change.

impetus

A force that makes something happen or happen more quickly.

Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally upset.

I was totally triggered by that comment.

To provoke a strong emotional response.

That movie really triggered me.