Word
trigger
To trigger means to cause something to happen or begin, often abruptly or as an automatic response.
Meanings
To cause an event or action to begin or occur.
The small lever on a gun that is pressed to fire it.
An event or situation that causes something else to start, especially a problem, reaction, or strong emotion.
Definition
When you trigger an event, you initiate it or cause it to start. This often implies that the event might be sudden, automatic, or a direct consequence once the trigger is activated. The term can refer to both physical actions and emotional responses or processes.
Examples
- The sudden drop in temperature triggered the car's anti-frost system.
- For some people, certain foods can trigger allergic reactions.
- Her powerful speech unexpectedly triggered a wave of protests across the city.
- The experienced hunter knew to gently squeeze the trigger for a steady shot.
- Stress can often be a significant trigger for anxiety attacks.
Common mistake
A common mistake is to use 'trigger' without implying a direct, often immediate or automatic, cause-and-effect relationship.
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.