trigger
/ˈtrɪɡər/
verb
- To cause something to start or happen.
- The alarm system triggers a loud siren when a window is opened.
- His comment triggered an angry response from the crowd.
- Eating too much sugar can trigger a spike in your energy levels.
- To cause a device or mechanism to operate.
- A small lever triggers the trap door to open.
- The motion sensor triggers the lights to turn on automatically.
- Pressing the button triggers the camera to take a photo.
noun
- The small part of a gun that you press with your finger to fire it.
- Always treat a gun as if the trigger could be pulled at any moment.
- The soldier slowly squeezed the trigger to fire the rifle.
- He kept his finger off the trigger until he was ready to shoot.
- Something that causes a reaction or event to happen.
- The loud noise was the trigger for the dog's barking.
- Certain foods can act as a trigger for allergies.
- Stress can be a trigger for headaches.