trigger
gb/tɹˈɪɡɚ/ us/tɹˈɪɡɚ/
B2
English
~ 7000
kivált, elindít, kiváltó tényező, ravasz, működésbe hoz, aktivál, felzaklat, felhúz, triggerel, trigger, triggerjel, indítójel
VERB
B2
1
Usage pattern:
to trigger [something]
The announcement triggered a sharp fall in the company’s share price.
A bejelentés a cég részvényárfolyamának meredek esését váltotta ki.
His comment triggered a heated argument in the meeting.
A megjegyzése heves vitát váltott ki az értekezleten.
The new policy could trigger major changes in the education system.
Exposure to the chemical may trigger an allergic reaction.
The news of the accident triggered a wave of concern across the town.
Learner examples
The loud noise triggered the car alarm.
A hangos zaj megszólaltatta az autóriasztót.
Her words triggered a big fight between them.
A szavai nagy veszekedést váltottak ki köztük.
The movie trailer triggered a lot of interest online.
The smoke triggered the fire alarm in the kitchen.
The report triggered new talks between the two countries.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "trigger" instead of more natural everyday verbs like "start" or "cause" in very simple contexts (e.g., saying "trigger the game" instead of "start the game"). "Trigger" is usually used for more serious, technical, or strong effects (reactions, crises, alarms, debates), not ordinary daily actions.
Meaning
cause something to start or happen
Collocations
trigger a reaction
|trigger a response
|trigger a crisis
|trigger a change
|trigger an alarm
|trigger a debate
Synonyms
cause (More general and neutral; does not suggest suddenness or intensity as strongly as "trigger".)
|
spark (Suggests a small action that starts something bigger, often used for conflicts or discussions.)
Antonyms
prevent (Means to stop something from happening, the opposite of making it happen.)
Themes
general
|science
|society
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
to cause something to start or happen, often suddenly or with a strong effect
To make an event, process, or reaction begin, especially suddenly or with a strong effect.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
[something] is a trigger for [something]
Stress is a common trigger for migraines.
A stressz a migrén gyakori kiváltó tényezője.
Loud sounds can be a trigger for her anxiety.
Nála a hangos zajok a szorongás kiváltó tényezői lehetnek.
The sudden increase in prices was the trigger for the protests.
Doctors are still trying to identify the exact trigger of the disease.
For many people, certain smells are powerful triggers of memories.
Learner examples
Dust is a trigger for his asthma.
Nála a por az asztma egyik kiváltó tényezője.
Cold weather can be a trigger for her joint pain.
Nála a hideg idő az ízületi fájdalom kiváltó tényezője lehet.
The joke was the trigger for a long argument.
Lack of sleep is often a trigger for bad mood.
That song is a trigger for happy memories for me.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "trigger" with "reason". A "trigger" is the thing that starts a reaction right at that moment, while the "reason" can be the wider explanation behind it.
Meaning
thing that causes something
Collocations
a trigger for
|common trigger
|main trigger
|emotional trigger
|allergy trigger
|potential trigger
Synonyms
cause (Broader and more general; does not suggest sudden starting as clearly as "trigger".)
Antonyms
deterrent (Something that discourages or stops an event, the opposite of something that starts it.)
Themes
general
|health
|emotions
|science
|core_vocabulary
Definition
something that makes an event, reaction, or process start
Something that starts or causes an event, reaction, or process to happen.
NOUN
B2
3
ravasz
B1
Usage pattern:
to pull the trigger of [a gun]
He placed his finger on the trigger but did not fire.
Az ujját a ravaszra tette, de nem lőtt.
Make sure the safety is on before you touch the trigger.
Mielőtt a ravaszhoz érnél, győződj meg róla, hogy be van kapcsolva a biztosító.
The gun went off when someone accidentally pulled the trigger.
This model has a very sensitive trigger and fires easily.
The child reached for the trigger, so she quickly took the gun away.
Learner examples
Do not touch the trigger of the gun.
Ne érj a fegyver ravaszához.
He pulled the trigger and the gun fired.
Meghúzta a ravaszt, és a fegyver elsült.
Her finger was on the trigger, ready to shoot.
The toy gun has a plastic trigger.
The trigger is broken, so the gun will not fire.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse the noun "trigger" (the part of the gun) with the verb "to trigger" (to cause something). Remember, as a noun it is a physical part you can touch.
Meaning
lever on a gun or device
Collocations
pull the trigger
|press the trigger
|finger on the trigger
|squeeze the trigger
|light trigger
|trigger mechanism
Synonyms
firing mechanism (More technical and includes the whole system, not just the lever.)
Antonyms
safety catch (A part that stops a gun from firing, opposite in function to the trigger.)
Themes
weapons
|technology
|safety
|core_vocabulary
Definition
the small part of a gun or device that you press or pull to make it work or fire
A small lever on a gun or similar device that you press or pull to make it fire or start working.
VERB
B2
4
aktivál
B2
Usage pattern:
to trigger [a bomb / an explosion / a device]
The bomb was triggered by a mobile phone signal.
A bombát egy mobiltelefon jele hozta működésbe.
Moving the wrong wire could accidentally trigger the device.
A rossz vezeték megmozdítása véletlenül működésbe hozhatja a szerkezetet.
The land mine is triggered by pressure from a person’s weight.
Firefighters are trained not to trigger any hidden explosives.
The alarm is triggered when someone opens the door.
Learner examples
The thief triggered the alarm when he broke the window.
A tolvaj megszólaltatta a riasztót, amikor betörte az ablakot.
A small switch triggers the machine.
Egy kis kapcsoló hozza működésbe a gépet.
They used a timer to trigger the bomb.
The sensor will trigger the lights at night.
Do not touch that button; it will trigger the system.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use this meaning for normal starting actions (e.g., "trigger the TV"), but it is mostly used for alarms, bombs, guns, or special devices, not everyday equipment like TVs or fridges.
Meaning
make a weapon or device work
Collocations
trigger an explosion
|trigger a bomb
|trigger the device
|remotely trigger
|automatically trigger
Synonyms
set off (Common phrasal verb for starting an explosion or alarm; more informal in tone.)
Antonyms
disarm (Means to make a weapon or bomb unable to work, the opposite of making it work.)
Themes
weapons
|technology
|safety
|core_vocabulary
Definition
to make a gun, bomb, or device start working or explode
To make a gun, bomb, or other device start working or explode by activating its trigger or starting mechanism.
VERB
B2
INFORMAL
5
Usage pattern:
to trigger [someone] / to trigger [someone's] [emotion]
That joke really triggered a lot of people online.
Az a vicc tényleg sok embert felhúzott az interneten.
The scene in the film may trigger viewers who have experienced violence.
A film jelenete felkavarhatja azokat a nézőket, akik átéltek már erőszakot.
He knows exactly what to say to trigger her.
The argument triggered him, and he started shouting.
Certain news stories can trigger survivors of trauma.
Learner examples
Her loud voice triggers him, because it reminds him of his past.
A hangos beszéde felzaklatja, mert a múltjára emlékezteti.
The video might trigger some people, so they add a warning.
A videó egyeseket felzaklathat, ezért figyelmeztetést tesznek hozzá.
His rude words triggered her, and she began to cry.
These images can trigger bad memories for many viewers.
That subject really triggers him, so please do not talk about it.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use this sense in very light situations (e.g., "I was triggered because they were late") where native speakers would usually say "annoyed" or "upset". "Trigger" often suggests a strong or deep emotional reaction, sometimes related to trauma or serious issues.
Meaning
strongly upset or anger someone
Collocations
trigger someone
|trigger people
|trigger someone's anxiety
|trigger trauma
|emotionally trigger
Synonyms
provoke (Often suggests making someone angry; slightly more formal and does not always imply deep emotional pain.)
Antonyms
comfort (Means to make someone feel calmer or less upset, the opposite of upsetting them.)
Themes
emotions
|internet
|mental health
|core_vocabulary
Definition
to make someone suddenly very angry, upset, or emotionally hurt
To cause someone to feel a sudden, strong emotional reaction, especially anger, upset, or distress.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
6
trigger
C1
Usage pattern:
a trigger on [a table / a column]
We use a trigger to log every change made to this table.
Triggert használunk az ezen a táblán végzett minden módosítás naplózására.
The developer created a trigger that sends an email after each new order.
A fejlesztő létrehozott egy triggert, amely minden új rendelés után e-mailt küld.
If the trigger fails, the whole transaction will be rolled back.
This trigger fires before any row is inserted into the table.
The database administrator disabled the trigger during maintenance.
Learner examples
The programmer wrote a trigger for the user table.
A programozó triggert írt a felhasználói táblához.
This trigger runs when a new row is added.
Ez a trigger akkor fut le, amikor új sor kerül a táblába.
They turned off the trigger to test the system.
A trigger can help keep data correct in the database.
He learned how to create a trigger in SQL class.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think a database "trigger" is only the event (like INSERT) itself. In fact, it is the stored object or rule that runs when that event happens.
Meaning
automatic database action rule
Collocations
database trigger
|create a trigger
|before-insert trigger
|after-update trigger
|row-level trigger
|fire a trigger
Synonyms
database rule (Informal explanation; less precise than the technical term "trigger".)
Antonyms
manual procedure (A procedure that must be run by a person, not automatically.)
Themes
technology
|computing
Definition
in databases, a rule or small program that runs automatically when something changes in a table
In databases, a stored object that automatically runs a specified procedure when a particular event, such as an insert or update, occurs on a table.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
7
triggerjel
C1
indítójel
B2
Usage pattern:
a trigger signal for [a process / a circuit]
The oscilloscope needs a stable trigger signal to display the waveform correctly.
Az oszcilloszkópnak stabil triggerjelre van szüksége ahhoz, hogy helyesen jelenítse meg a hullámformát.
An external trigger is used to start the measurement at the right moment.
Külső triggerjelet használnak, hogy a mérés a megfelelő pillanatban induljon.
The camera can take a picture when it receives a trigger from the sensor.
Noise on the line caused false trigger events in the circuit.
We adjusted the trigger level to avoid unwanted activations.
Learner examples
The device waits for a trigger signal before it starts.
Az eszköz triggerjelre vár, mielőtt elindul.
This wire carries the trigger for the timer.
Ez a vezeték továbbítja az időzítő triggerjelét.
A small trigger from the sensor turns on the light.
Engineers changed the trigger so the motor starts later.
Without a clear trigger, the system does not work.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse the general everyday noun "trigger" (a cause) with this technical signal. In electronics, a "trigger" is usually a specific electrical or logical signal, not just any cause.
Meaning
signal that starts a process
Collocations
trigger signal
|external trigger
|clock trigger
|trigger input
|trigger circuit
|trigger event
Synonyms
start signal (A more general description; not always used as a technical term.)
Antonyms
stop signal (A signal that ends a process, opposite to a signal that starts it.)
Themes
technology
|engineering
|science
Definition
a control signal in electronics that makes a process or piece of equipment start
An electronic or logical signal used to start a process, timing sequence, or piece of equipment.
Grammar
Dictionary form
trigger
IPA
GB/tɹˈɪɡɚ/
US/tɹˈɪɡɚ/
Syllables & stress
trig - ger (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (trig)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: trigger
- Plural: triggers
Verb
- Base: trigger
- 3rd Person Singular: triggers
- Present Participle: triggering
- Past: triggered
Word family
Forms
triggers
noun
triggering
verb
triggered
verb
Expressions
be a trigger for
4/bˈi ə tɹˈɪɡɚ fɚ/
fixed phrase
be the cause of something
to be the thing that starts a particular event, reaction, or process
Examples
- Unemployment can be a trigger for depression.
- Poor communication is often a trigger for conflict in relationships.
- This change in law may be a trigger for further reforms.
emotional trigger
6/ɪmˈoʊʃənəl tɹˈɪɡɚ/
fixed phrase
cause of strong emotion
something that makes a person suddenly feel a strong emotion, like fear, anger, or sadness
Examples
- Counselling can help you understand your emotional triggers.
- For him, criticism from his boss is a major emotional trigger.
- The therapist asked her to write down her emotional triggers during the week.
hair trigger
10/hˈɛɹ tɹˈɪɡɚ/
fixed phrase
extremely sensitive or easy to set off
very easy to start or set off; can also describe a person who gets angry or upset very easily
Examples
- The rifle has a hair trigger, so handle it carefully.
- He has a hair-trigger temper and gets angry over small things.
- With social media, public opinion can be hair-trigger and turn against you quickly.
pull the trigger
1/pˈʊl ðə tɹˈɪɡɚ/
idiom
make a final, firm decision
to finally decide to do something important or risky, especially after waiting or thinking for a long time
Examples
- After months of hesitation, they finally pulled the trigger on the merger.
- I'm nervous about quitting my job, but I think it's time to pull the trigger.
- The company pulled the trigger too early and launched the product before it was ready.
trigger a chain reaction
8/tɹˈɪɡɚ ə t͡ʃˈeɪn ɹiˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
start a series of linked events
to start one event that then causes many other related events to happen
Examples
- The small error triggered a chain reaction that shut down the whole system.
- His decision to resign triggered a chain reaction in the company’s leadership.
- A single spark can trigger a chain reaction in the fuel.
trigger a response
2/tɹˈɪɡɚ ə ɹɪspˈɑns/
fixed phrase
cause a reaction
to make a person, group, or system react in some way
Examples
- The letter triggered a strong response from the community.
- This chemical can trigger a response in the immune system.
- His comments triggered a quick response from the company.
trigger an alarm
5/tɹˈɪɡɚ ən əlˈɑɹm/
fixed phrase
set off an alarm system
to make an alarm begin to ring or send a warning signal
Examples
- Opening the emergency exit will trigger an alarm.
- The smoke in the kitchen triggered the fire alarm.
- Movement in the room triggers an alarm on his phone.
trigger happy
9/tɹˈɪɡɚ hˈæpi/
fixed phrase
informal
too ready to use force or react
too ready and quick to use guns, force, or strong action without thinking enough
Examples
- Critics say the police in that area are trigger happy.
- Don't be so trigger happy with deleting files from the server.
- Some moderators can be a bit trigger happy with banning users.
trigger off
7/tɹˈɪɡɚ ˈɔf/
phrasal verb
cause something to start
to cause something, especially a series of events or a reaction, to start
Examples
- The announcement triggered off a wave of protests across the country.
- His remark triggered off a long discussion about workplace safety.
- The new tax rules triggered off changes in how people invest their money.
trigger warning
1/tɹˈɪɡɚ wˈɔɹnɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Notice about upsetting content
a note that warns people that something may be very upsetting
Examples
- The article includes a trigger warning for descriptions of violence.
- Some teachers give a trigger warning before discussing traumatic events.
- The video started with a trigger warning about self-harm.
Learner examples
- The film had a trigger warning.
- She added a trigger warning to the post.
trigger warning
3/tɹˈɪɡɚ wˈɔɹnɪŋ/
fixed phrase
warning about distressing content
a short message before a text, video, etc. that tells people it includes content that could strongly upset or disturb some of them
Examples
- The article begins with a trigger warning about descriptions of violence.
- Please add a trigger warning before posting stories about self-harm.
- The teacher gave a trigger warning before showing the documentary.