trigger

To make something happen, often suddenly.

• The news triggered a debate.
• A small spark can trigger a fire.
• What triggered the sudden change?

Similar words: cause, set off, spark

Common phrases: trigger a reaction, trigger a crisis

To make a weapon fire or a machine start working.

• Smoke triggered the alarm.
• Pressing this button triggers the release mechanism.
• The soldier triggered the weapon remotely.

Similar words: activate, set off

Common phrases: trigger an alarm, trigger a device

To cause someone to have a strong emotional reaction, especially because of a painful memory.

• That scene triggered her.
• Loud arguments can trigger people with painful childhood memories.
• He felt triggered by the violent images.

Similar words: upset, distress

Common phrases: trigger someone, trigger a survivor

Something that starts an event, change, or reaction.

• Stress is a trigger for her headaches.
• The announcement was the trigger for a sudden rise in prices.
• Doctors tried to identify the triggers for his attacks.

How to use it: trigger for something (Bright lights can be a trigger for headaches.)

Similar words: cause, stimulus, catalyst

Common phrases: trigger for something, possible trigger, identify a trigger, immediate trigger

The small part of a gun that you pull with your finger to make it fire.

• Keep your finger off the trigger.
• He pulled the trigger, but nothing happened.
• The pistol’s trigger was difficult to press.

Common phrases: pull the trigger, trigger finger, gun trigger

Something that brings back painful feelings or memories and makes someone very upset.

• That sound is a trigger for her.
• He learned to recognize his emotional triggers.
• The image became a trigger for memories of the accident.

Common phrases: emotional trigger, personal trigger, trigger warning