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Definition of trigger verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

trigger

verb
 
/ˈtrɪɡə(r)/
 
/ˈtrɪɡər/
Verb Forms
present simple I / you / we / they trigger
 
/ˈtrɪɡə(r)/
 
/ˈtrɪɡər/
he / she / it triggers
 
/ˈtrɪɡəz/
 
/ˈtrɪɡərz/
past simple triggered
 
/ˈtrɪɡəd/
 
/ˈtrɪɡərd/
past participle triggered
 
/ˈtrɪɡəd/
 
/ˈtrɪɡərd/
-ing form triggering
 
/ˈtrɪɡərɪŋ/
 
/ˈtrɪɡərɪŋ/
jump to other results
  1. trigger something (off) to make something happen suddenly synonym set off, set something off
    • Nuts can trigger off a violent allergic reaction.
    • The incident triggered protests across the country.
    Extra Examples
    • A wide range of emotionally stressful events may trigger a relapse.
    • Her case triggered a wave of support around the world.
    • Even the smell of oranges can trigger her migraine.
    • He has a brain disorder that can trigger off convulsive fits.
    Topics Change, cause and effectb2
  2. trigger something to cause a device to start functioning
    • to trigger an alarm
  3. trigger somebody to make somebody feel very upset or anxious by reminding them of a trauma or bad experience
    • Sometimes, the slightest things trigger me because they remind me of my mum.
    Topics Feelingsc2
See trigger in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee trigger in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
perspective
noun
 
 
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