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Trigger: meaning, definitions and examples

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trigger

 

[ ˈtrɪɡər ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

psychology

A trigger is a stimulus that prompts a particular response or reaction in a person, often associated with past experiences or trauma.

Synonyms

cue, prompt, stimulus

Examples of usage

  • The sound of a car backfiring can be a trigger for someone with PTSD.
  • Seeing a particular color may act as a trigger for a specific memory.
  • Smelling a certain scent can serve as a trigger for an emotional response.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To trigger means to cause something to happen or activate a process or mechanism.

Synonyms

activate, initiate, provoke

Examples of usage

  • The alarm clock triggered the start of the morning routine.
  • His words triggered a heated argument.
  • The news of the promotion triggered celebrations in the office.

Translations

Translations of the word "trigger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gatilho

🇮🇳 ट्रिगर

🇩🇪 Abzug

🇮🇩 pelatuk

🇺🇦 спусковий гачок

🇵🇱 spust

🇯🇵 引き金

🇫🇷 détente

🇪🇸 gatillo

🇹🇷 tetik

🇰🇷 방아쇠

🇸🇦 زناد

🇨🇿 spoušť

🇸🇰 spúšť

🇨🇳 扳机

🇸🇮 sprožilec

🇮🇸 gikkur

🇰🇿 шүріппе

🇬🇪 გამშვები

🇦🇿 tətik

🇲🇽 gatillo

Etymology

The word 'trigger' originated from the Middle English term 'trigour', meaning a piece of metal that releases the catch holding a gun's hammer when the trigger is pulled. It has since evolved to represent any stimulus that initiates a reaction or response, both in psychological and general contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,668 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.