Trigger off Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To cause something (especially a process, event, or reaction) to start suddenly or unexpectedly.
Usage & Nuances
Slightly formal, often used in technical, scientific, or news contexts. Can be replaced by simply 'trigger' in most modern usage ('off' is optional and a bit old-fashioned). Common with 'event', 'reaction', or 'process'. Not usually used with positive outcomes.
Spanish: desencadenar - provocar - originarPortuguese (BR): desencadear - provocar - causarPortuguese (PT): desencadear - provocar - originarChinese (Simplified): 引发 - 触发 - 导致Chinese (Traditional): 引發 - 觸發 - 導致Hindi: शुरू करना - उत्पन्न करनाArabic: يؤدي إلى - يثير - يسببBengali: উদ্দীপিত করা - আরম্ভ করে দেওয়াRussian: вызывать - приводить кJapanese: 引き起こすVietnamese: kích hoạt - gây raKorean: 유발하다 - 촉발하다Turkish: tetiklemek - başlatmakUrdu: شروع کرنا - بھڑکاناIndonesian: kích hoạt - làm bùng nổ
Example Sentences
Loud noises can trigger off panic attacks in some people.
basic
The leak in the lab triggered off a fire alarm.
basic
This news could trigger off protests in the city.
basic
His comment really triggered off a heated argument at the meeting.
natural
Sometimes old photos trigger off a lot of memories.
natural
Be careful what you say; it might trigger off another argument.
natural