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trigger

When used as a noun, "trigger" usually refers to something that starts a reaction. In modern conversations about mental health, it is often used to describe things that cause a person to remember a traumatic experience. As a verb, it is most commonly used in the active voice (e.g., "The smoke triggered the alarm"). It describes a quick, automatic cause-and-effect relationship.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is in a lecture hall while Ryan is at home gaming.

Chloe Smith

this professor's voice is such a trigger for my anxiety. i'm literally losing it.

Ryan

damn that's crazy. just tune out.

💡

Chloe uses 'trigger' in the psychological sense to describe a stimulus causing a negative emotional reaction. Ryan's response 'damn that's crazy' is a common colloquialism used to acknowledge a statement without offering genuine emotional support, highlighting his oblivious personality.

Meanings

noun

A small lever used to fire a gun.

"He pulled the trigger and fired the shot."

noun

An event or circumstance that causes a particular reaction or process to start.

"Certain smells can be a trigger for childhood memories."

verb (transitive)

To cause an event or situation to happen or exist; to activate a mechanism.

"The loud noise triggered the car alarm."

verb (intransitive)

To be activated or set off automatically.

"The security system triggers if the window is opened."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error