trigger
trigger Lexical Profile
trigger Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An event or circumstance that is the direct cause of a particular action, process, or situation.
"The sudden drop in temperature was the biological trigger for the trees to begin shedding their leaves."
A small mechanical lever or catch that, when pressed or pulled, releases a spring and initiates a mechanism or process.
"The photographer gently pressed the trigger on the camera to capture the fleeting moment perfectly."
A sensory stimulus that elicits a strong, often distressing, emotional reaction by recalling a prior traumatic experience.
"The therapist helped the patient identify her emotional triggers in order to better manage her sudden waves of anxiety."
• verb
To cause an event, process, or situation to begin or happen.
"The announcement of the controversial new policy is expected to trigger widespread debate among the committee members."
To set off or activate a mechanical device, alarm, or automated reaction.
"Opening the secured laboratory door without the proper access code will immediately trigger the building's alarm system."
To cause a person to experience a strong emotional reaction, especially by reminding them of a past trauma.
"Certain evocative smells, like burning wood, can inadvertently trigger vivid memories of childhood for many individuals."
Word Nuance & Usage
In contemporary usage, the psychological sense of 'trigger' (referring to traumatic stimuli) is sometimes used colloquially to mean simply causing offense or mild upset, though clinical professionals advise restricting it to severe acute responses.
• Rhymes for trigger
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 17th century: alteration of 'tricker', from Dutch 'trekker', meaning 'that which pulls', from the verb 'trekken' (to pull).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.