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Trigger
01
a lever or mechanism that initiates the firing of a gun or firearm
Examples
He pulled the trigger and the gun fired.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
02
an act that prompts a chain of events
Examples
His speech became the trigger for heated debates.
The sudden power outage was the trigger for system failures.
03
a device or mechanism that activates or releases a process, system, or action
Examples
The alarm has a trigger that senses smoke.
The software update was set off by a trigger.
to trigger
01
to initiate or cause movement in a device
Transitive: to trigger sth
Ditransitive: to trigger sth to do sth
Examples
Pressing the button will trigger the automatic sliding doors to open.
Pulling the lever will trigger the release of the emergency brake on the train.
02
to release or activate a mechanism, often associated with firearms
Transitive: to trigger a mechanism
Examples
The sniper carefully aimed before deciding to trigger the shot, hitting the target with precision.
Before firing the cannon, the artillery officer had to trigger the ignition system to launch the projectile.
03
to cause something to happen
Transitive: to trigger sth
Examples
The economic downturn triggered a series of layoffs within the company.
The unexpected news about the merger triggered a surge in stock prices.
04
to cause a strong and unwanted reaction in someone
Transitive: to trigger a reaction or emotion
Examples
The mention of the traumatic event was enough to trigger anxiety attacks in the survivor.
Loud noises can trigger a fear response in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
