trigger
ˈtrɪɡər
Definition Synonyms Conjugation

Definition of trigger - Reverso English Dictionary

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Verb

tr.
1.
initiate actioncause to start or happen
  • The loud noise triggered an alarm..
activate initiate
2.
technologyactivate a device or system
  • The alarm was triggered by a power surge.
activate initiate start
3.
emotioncause an emotional reaction
  • The movie triggered memories of his childhood.
evoke provoke
4.
firearmsRarecause a weapon to fireRare
  • He triggered the gun accidentally.
discharge shoot

Noun

1.
mechanicsdevice that activates a mechanism
  • He gently pulled the trigger of the gun..
lever switch
2.
initiatorRareevent or situation that initiates a reactionRare
  • A loud noise was the trigger for the alarm..
catalyst precursor stimulus

Adjective

1.
psychologycausing a strong emotional reaction
  • The movie had a trigger effect on the audience.
agitating incendiary provocative
2.
initiatingRarerelated to something that initiatesRare
  • The trigger mechanism is essential for the device to function.
activating initiating starting
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Images of trigger

  • trigger: device that activates a mechanism
    device that activates a mechanism
  • trigger: lever that activates a gun's firing mechanism
    lever that activates a gun's firing mechanism

Expressions with trigger

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
statement alerting to potentially distressing content
The article included a trigger warning for graphic descriptions.
cause something to start or happen
The loud noise triggered off the alarm system..
fire a gun by pulling the trigger
He hesitated before he pulled the trigger.
trigger finger eager to fire a weapon
The soldier had an itchy trigger finger during the standoff.
press the trigger of a gun
He squeezed the trigger and the gun fired.
eager to take action or make a decision
His trigger finger's itching to start the project.

Origin of trigger

Dutch, trekken (to pull)

Terms with trigger included in their meaning

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trigger
button that triggers an important action
memory
trigger a memory or recognition
jealousy trigger
object that causes envious feelings
hardship trigger
specific cause of suffering or distress
event
spark off or trigger an event
memory recognition
sound familiar or trigger a vague memory
trigger
cause a trap to close suddenly
trigger
initiating or triggering a reaction

Examples of trigger in a sentence

  • His actions triggered a series of unexpected events.
  • The system will trigger the sprinklers if smoke is detected.
  • A sensor can trigger the lights to turn on.
  • The song triggered a wave of nostalgia.
  • His words triggered an unexpected anger in her.
  • The soldier triggered the rifle with precision.

View all translations of trigger

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:déclencher, gâchette, ...
  2. German:auslösen, Abzug, ...
  3. Italian:scatenare, grilletto, ...
  4. Spanish:desencadenar, disparador, ...
  5. Portuguese:desencadear, gatilho, ...
  6. Chinese:引发, 扳机, ...
  7. Japanese:引き起こす, 引き金, ...
  8. Arabic:أَثَارَ, زِناد, ...
  9. Hebrew:לְהַצִּית, הֶדֶק, ...
  10. Russian:вызывать, спусковой крючок, ...
  11. Ukrainian:спричинити, спусковий гачок, ...
  12. Hindi:शुरू करना, ट्रिगर, ...
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