trigger

Academic Word List, sublist 9.

About 7.91 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A finger-operated lever used to fire a gun.

   Just pull the trigger.

2. noun A similar device used to activate any mechanism.
3. noun An event that initiates others, or incites a response.

   Sleeping in an unfamiliar room can be a trigger for sleepwalking.

4. noun Something that triggers an ASMR response.
5. noun A cue that triggers a posthypnotic suggestion.
6. noun A concept or image that upsets somebody by sparking a negative emotional response.

   emotional trigger

7. noun An event, experience or other stimulus that initiates a traumatic memory or a strong reaction in a person.
8. noun An electronic transducer allowing a drum, cymbal, etc. to control an electronic drum unit or similar device.

Similar words

spark spark off trip touch off set off actuate activate initiation induction gun trigger

Often followed by

the a for points and an of point is

Word family

triggered triggering triggers