trigger Synonyms
Another word for trigger
• noun (Context 1)
An event or circumstance that is the direct cause of a particular action, process, or situation.
"The sudden drop in temperature was the biological catalyst for the trees to begin shedding their leaves."
• verb (Context 2)
To cause an event, process, or situation to begin or happen.
"The announcement of the controversial new policy is expected to spark widespread debate among the committee members."
• noun (Context 3)
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 release on the camera to capture the fleeting moment perfectly."
• verb (Context 4)
To set off or activate a mechanical device, alarm, or automated reaction.
"Opening the secured laboratory door without the proper access code will immediately set off the building's alarm system."
• noun (Context 5)
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 (Context 6)
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 evoke vivid memories of childhood for many individuals."
Opposites of trigger
The opposite of trigger shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: