triggered
triggered Lexical Profile
triggered Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Experiencing a strong, involuntary emotional or psychological reaction, especially distress, anxiety, or a flashback, caused by a stimulus that recalls a past trauma.
"The counselor created a quiet space for patients who felt triggered during the group therapy session."
Intensely annoyed, offended, or angered by a statement, opinion, or event (used informally, often in a humorous or dismissive context).
"Commenters on the forum got triggered as soon as the reviewer criticized their favorite video game."
Initiated, set off, or activated by a specific mechanism, signal, or condition.
"The wildlife camera uses a motion-triggered sensor to photograph nocturnal animals."
Word Nuance & Usage
In clinical psychology, 'triggered' refers specifically to the involuntary re-experiencing of trauma upon encountering a sensory or emotional stimulus. In informal and internet usage, however, it is frequently used hyperbolically or dismissively to describe someone who is merely annoyed, offended, or upset.