Words / B2

TRIG-uh/ˈtrɪɡə/

To trigger is to cause something serious or sudden to start: trigger an inquiry; trigger a reaction. As a noun, the trigger is that cause. Cause is wider; spark is a close metaphor. Do not mix trigger with bigger. Health: a trigger for asthma. Policy: trigger a referendum clause.

Meaning

To cause something to start, especially something serious or sudden; as a noun, the cause.

Examples

• “The leak triggered an urgent inquiry.”
• “Pollen is a common trigger for asthma, which is the noun.”

Good to know

trigger + noun; a trigger for. Wider: cause. Metaphor: spark. Health: allergy triggers. Mix-up: bigger. Noun and verb.

Near in meaning

spark

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