nounπShareA finger-operated lever used to fire a gun."Just pull the trigger."weaponmilitarymachinepartChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA similar device used to activate any mechanism."The antique music box had two triggers: one started the music, and the other made the ballerina spin. "devicemachinepartChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn event that initiates others, or incites a response."Sleeping in an unfamiliar room can be a trigger for sleepwalking."mindeventChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA concept or image that upsets somebody."For Sarah, loud arguments are triggers that remind her of her childhood. "mindsensationemotionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn event, experience or other stimulus that initiates a traumatic memory or action in a person."Loud noises are common triggers for veterans with PTSD, causing them to relive combat experiences. "mindsensationemotioneventhumanpersonChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn electronic transducer allowing a drum, cymbal, etc. to control an electronic drum unit or similar device."The drummer used triggers on his acoustic kit to blend electronic drum sounds with the natural sound of his drums during the live performance. "musicelectronicstechnologydevicesoundChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA device that manually lengthens (or sometimes shortens) the slide or tubing of a brass instrument, allowing the pitch range to be altered while playing."The trumpet player adjusted the triggers on his instrument to hit the low notes in the jazz solo. "musicdeviceparttechnicalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA pulse in an electronic circuit that initiates some component."The timer circuit's triggers activate the lights at precisely 6:00 PM. "electronicsdevicesignalmachinetechnologyelectricChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn SQL procedure that may be initiated when a record is inserted, updated or deleted; typically used to maintain referential integrity."The database uses triggers to automatically update the total grade in the "Assignments" table whenever a student's individual assignment score changes in the "Scores" table, ensuring the overall grades are always accurate. "computingtechnicalsysteminternetChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA text string that, when received by a player, will cause the player to execute a certain command."In the online game, the word "help" is one of the triggers that activates a guide window for new players. "computinggameinternettechnicalcommunicationtechnologysignalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA catch to hold the wheel of a carriage on a declivity."The carriage's triggers prevented the wheels from rolling backward down the hill. "vehiclepartmachineChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo fire a weapon."The soldier triggers his rifle at the target. "weaponmilitaryactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo initiate something."The controversial article triggered a deluge of angry letters from readers."actionprocessmindChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo spark a response, especially a negative emotional response, in (someone)."This story contains a rape scene and may be triggering for rape victims."mindemotionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo activate; to become active."The alarm clock triggers the start of my day. "actionprocessfunctionphysiologymindmedicinebiologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
