trigger
word
/ˈtɹɪɡɝ/
TRI-gur
/tɹˈɪɡɐ/
TRI-guh
Definition
As a verb, to trigger something means to cause it to start or happen, often suddenly. As a noun, it is the part of a gun that you pull to fire it.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in news, psychology, and technology: 'trigger an alarm', 'trigger a response', 'trigger memories'. In everyday speech, it often suggests a chain reaction. In mental-health contexts, 'trigger' can mean something that causes a strong emotional reaction.
Spanish: desencadenar - provocar - gatillo (de arma)Portuguese (BR): desencadear - provocar - gatilho (de arma)Portuguese (PT): desencadear - provocar - gatilho (de arma)Chinese (Simplified): 引发 - 触发 - 扳机（枪的）Chinese (Traditional): 引發 - 觸發 - 扳機（槍的）Hindi: शुरू कर देना - भड़काना - ट्रिगर (बंदूक का)Arabic: يحفّز - يتسبب في - زناد (السلاح)Bengali: ট্রিগার -引ত করা (cause)- চাকতি (বন্দুকের অংশ)Russian: спусковой крючок - вызыватьJapanese: 引き金 - 引き起こすVietnamese: kích hoạt - cò súngKorean: 방아쇠 - 유발하다Turkish: tetik - tetiklemekUrdu: ٹرگر - محرک (سبب بننا) - بندوق کا گھوڑاIndonesian: pemicu - memicu
Example Sentences
Smoke can trigger the fire alarm.
basic
The loud noise triggered a strong reaction in the baby.
basic
He pulled the trigger by accident.
basic
Just one email can trigger a whole day of stress.
natural
That song always triggers memories of high school.
natural
I didn't mean to trigger you when I brought that up.
natural