Reading Theme:
Trigger: Definition, Common Uses & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：set off (trigger)
trigger
/ˈtrɪɡər/
vt.
To cause something to start, especially a chain of events or a strong reaction.
set off
➕
/ˌset ˈɒf/
vt.
To be the immediate cause that starts a significant process, sequence, or reaction, often an emotional or complex one.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Dutch 'trekker' (a puller, a trigger), from 'trekken' (to pull).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a gun's TRIGGER; pulling it starts a powerful, often unstoppable, sequence.
📖 Example
The sudden loud noise triggered my dog's fear, making him hide under the bed.
The sudden loud noise set off my dog's fear, making him hide under the bed.
🔗 Collocations
trigger a reaction – to cause a specific response or feeling
trigger memories – to cause old memories to surface suddenly
trigger an alarm – to cause an alarm system to activate
🔄 Synonyms
initiate (vt.) – to cause a process or action to begin
precipitate (vt.) – to cause an event or situation to happen suddenly or unexpectedly
spark (vt.) – to be the immediate cause of something, especially something creative or violent
🌱 Derivatives
triggering (adj.) – causing a strong emotional reaction due to past trauma
triggered (adj.) – describing someone who has had a strong negative emotional reaction
📖 Cultural Story
In modern psychology and online discourse, 'trigger' has evolved beyond its mechanical origins. It is now frequently used to describe a stimulus that causes an intense negative emotional or physiological reaction, often related to past trauma or anxiety, making it a common term in mental health discussions.
Meaning 2：activate (trigger)
trigger
/ˈtrɪɡər/
vt.
To start a device, process, or function by pressing a button or giving a specific signal.
activate
➕
/ˈæktɪveɪt/
vt.
To cause a device or system to begin operating by providing a specific signal, command, or physical action.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The sensor will trigger the sprinkler system automatically if it detects smoke.
The sensor will activate the sprinkler system automatically if it detects smoke.
🔗 Collocations
trigger automatically – to activate without manual intervention, usually by a sensor
trigger manually – to activate by a person's direct action
trigger a response – to initiate a programmed action in a system
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
deactivate (vt.) – to make a device or system inactive
disable (vt.) – to prevent a device or system from functioning
Wordbook
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