Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Triggering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฅ
Add to dictionary

triggering

[หˆtrษชษกษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emotional response

Causing someone to have a strong emotional response, typically negative.

Synonyms

provoking, rousing, stimulating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
triggering

Used when something causes an emotional reaction, often negative or related to trauma.

  • The graphic images in the news were triggering for some viewers.
  • Talking about that event can be very triggering for her.
provoking

Used when something intentionally causes someone to feel anger, irritation, or another strong reaction.

  • His comments were clearly provoking the crowd.
  • She made a provoking statement to start a debate.
stimulating

Used when something encourages activity or interest in a positive, mental or physical way.

  • The professor gave a stimulating lecture.
  • The game was stimulating and kept the children engaged for hours.
rousing

Used when something excites, stimulates, or awakens interest or emotion, usually in a positive way.

  • The speech was rousing, motivating everyone to take action.
  • The concert ended with a rousing performance.

Examples of usage

  • The movie was triggering for survivors of abuse.
  • His comments were triggering for many people in the audience.
Context #2 | Verb

mental health

Causing a relapse or worsening of symptoms in someone with a mental health condition.

Synonyms

eliciting, prompting, provoking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
triggering

Usually used in situations where a reaction or response is caused, especially in psychological contexts. It can have a negative connotation when it relates to emotional or traumatic experiences.

  • Seeing the old house was triggering for her, bringing back unpleasant memories.
  • The discussion about violence was very triggering for some of the attendees.
eliciting

Used when trying to draw out a response, information, or reaction from someone in a subtle or deliberate way. It's more neutral and often used in discussions, interviews, or research.

  • The teacher's question was aimed at eliciting a thoughtful response from the students.
  • The survey was designed for eliciting honest feedback from the participants.
prompting

Often used when someone encourages or inspires another person to take action or respond. Can be neutral or positive, and is commonly used in teaching or motivational contexts.

  • His curiosity was prompting him to ask many questions.
  • She hesitated for a moment before taking the leap, prompted by her friend's encouragement.
provoking

Typically used in scenarios where a significant or intense reaction is caused, which can often be negative or controversial. This word suggests a deliberate action to incite an emotional or strong response.

  • His comments were deliberately provocative and led to a heated argument.
  • The movie was successful in provoking thought and discussion about social issues.

Examples of usage

  • The discussion on suicide was triggering for her depression.
  • Certain smells can be triggering for individuals with PTSD.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The concept relates to how certain experiences or memories can suddenly make someone feel upset or anxious.
  • Triggers can vary widely between individuals, often linked to past trauma or distressing events.
  • Research shows that environments or specific words can act as reminders of past experiences, causing automatic emotional reactions.

Pop Culture

  • The term has gained popularity in discussions about mental health, especially in online communities and social media.
  • In movies and television, trigger warnings are often used to alert viewers about content that could evoke strong emotional responses.
  • Artists and musicians sometimes refer to triggering elements in their work, aiming to provoke thought or invoke feelings.

Literature

  • In literary analysis, certain themes or symbols can act as triggers for deeper emotional understandings or memories.
  • Poets often use vivid imagery to create triggering experiences, prompting readers to access their personal feelings and memories.
  • Nostalgic elements in stories, like smells or sounds, can serve as literary triggers that evoke past sentiments or experiences.

Modern Usage

  • The term increasingly appears in discussions about political correctness and sensitivity in educational settings.
  • Many workplaces now incorporate training on triggers to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment.
  • Trigger warnings have become a topic of debate, with some advocating for their use while others argue against them due to potential overreach.

History

  • Understanding of emotional triggers dates back to early psychological studies in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Figures like Sigmund Freud explored the connections between past trauma and present behaviors, laying groundwork for modern trigger discussions.
  • World War II saw increased recognition of trauma's lasting effects, contributing to later developments in trauma-informed care.

Origin of 'triggering'

The word 'triggering' originated from the concept of a trigger, a mechanism that initiates an action. In psychological terms, it refers to an event or stimulus that causes a reaction, often related to traumatic experiences. The use of 'triggering' has become more common in discussions around mental health and emotional well-being, highlighting the importance of being mindful of potential triggers for individuals with specific sensitivities.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,008, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.