26984 words

trigger

10 definitions • 15 examples
1
a part of a gun that causes the gun to fire when pressed:

Examples:

It's not clear who actually pulled the trigger.
2
an event or situation, etc. that causes something to start:

Examples:

There are fears that the incident may be a trigger for more violence in the capital.
3
something that causes someone to feel upset and frightened because they are made to remember something bad that has happened in the past:

Examples:

A trigger is something that sets off a flashback, transporting the person back to the traumatic event.
4
to cause something to start:

Examples:

Some people find that certain foods trigger their headaches.
Ultraviolet-B radiation triggers the skin to produce vitamin D.
The racial killings at the weekend have triggered off a wave of protests.
5
to cause a strong emotional reaction of fear, shock, anger, or worry in someone, especially because they are made to remember something bad that has happened in the past:

Examples:

Seeing him come towards me just triggered me and I screamed.
He could be triggered by a loud noise.
6
a part of a gun that causes the gun to fire when pressed:

Examples:

to pull the trigger
7
to cause something to start:

Examples:

I triggered the smoke alarm when I burned the potatoes.
Eating chocolate can trigger a migraine headache in some people.
8
an event, situation, etc. that causes the start of something, especially something bad:

Examples:

trigger for sth Inflation has been the trigger for nearly all post-war recessions.
9
to cause something to happen, especially something bad:

Examples:

be triggered by sth The sell-off was triggered by a profits warning.
10
to make a piece of equipment, etc. start working:

Examples:

Any attempt to jack the car off the ground triggers the alarm automatically.

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