Word
triggered
Phoneticstrig·gered, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹɪɡɝd/
UK/tɹˈɪɡəd/
Definitions
01to cause a reaction
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make something happen suddenly, especially a process or a reaction.
v. to initiate a process or reaction, often as the primary causal agent in a chain of events.
“The smoke from the burnt toast triggered the fire alarm in the hallway.”
“The sudden collapse of the regional bank triggered a massive sell-off across the global stock markets as investors panicked.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice to describe an automatic or inevitable result.
02emotionally distressed
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adj. feeling very upset, shocked, or anxious because something reminded you of a bad experience.
adj. experiencing a strong emotional or psychological reaction, typically due to a stimulus that recalls a past trauma.
“He felt triggered by the loud noises because they reminded him of the accident.”
“The therapist advised the patient to identify specific environments where they felt most triggered by sensory reminders of the event.”
Usage
While originally a clinical term, it is now frequently used in general conversation to describe strong negative reactions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03angered or annoyed
C1 · Advanced Informal · Slang
adj. feeling very angry or annoyed, often used to describe people on the internet.
adj. exhibiting a state of intense irritation or anger, often in response to a perceived social or political slight.
“He got triggered just because someone disagreed with his post online.”
“The comment section was full of triggered users arguing over the controversial policy change.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often used mockingly or dismissively in online debates; learners should use it carefully as it can sound rude.
Real-World Examples
“The reports have triggered a storm over pilot drug testing and aviation safety in India.” “I don’t think anybody really knows exactly what triggered this, but he starts to talk a lot about it publicly in the mid-60s.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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