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Definition of triggering

triggering

/ˈtrɪɡ.ər.ɪŋ/
trig · ger · ing

Plural:triggerings
•
Past Simple:triggered
•
Past Participle:triggered
•
Present Participle:triggering
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triggering Lexical Profile

triggering Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause an event, process, or situation to happen or begin (present participle of trigger).

Example

"Heavy rainfall lasted through the night, triggering mudslides along the coastal highway."


2

To cause someone to experience an intense, distressing emotional reaction or memory of trauma (present participle of trigger).

Example

"She avoided loud fireworks displays for fear of triggering her anxiety."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Causing a strong, distressing emotional or psychological reaction, especially by recalling a past traumatic experience.

Example

"The documentary included a content warning because several scenes might be triggering for viewers."


2

Serving as the immediate cause, stimulus, or catalyst that initiates an event, process, or condition.

Example

"Stress is often identified as a primary triggering factor in the onset of severe migraines."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The act or process of initiating, activating, or setting off a mechanism, reaction, or series of events.

Example

"The accidental triggering of the fire alarm forced everyone to evacuate the office building."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Triggering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/triggering
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