# triggering

/ˈtɹɪɡɝɪŋ/ (US) · /tɹˈɪɡəɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/triggering
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. causing an emotional reaction

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

causing someone to feel very upset, shocked, or reminded of a past bad experience.

For teachers: evoking a strong, often negative, emotional or psychological response, particularly in relation to past trauma.

- The news report was quite triggering for people who had lived through the war.
- The film included a content warning because several scenes were considered potentially triggering for survivors of domestic abuse.

Usage: Often used with a 'content warning' in digital media.

Teaching tip: This is the most common modern use of the word. While it started in psychology, it is now used widely in casual conversation and social media.

### 2. starting a process

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

acting as the thing that starts a specific event or chemical reaction.

For teachers: serving as the primary stimulus or catalyst that initiates a mechanical, biological, or chemical process.

- The triggering event for the chemical reaction was a sudden change in temperature.
- Researchers identified the triggering mechanism that causes the cells to replicate uncontrollably under specific laboratory conditions.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 3. the act of starting

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the act of starting a process or making something happen.

For teachers: the action or process of initiating a sequence of events or a mechanical operation.

- The automatic triggering of the alarm system prevented the theft.
- The precise triggering of the explosive charges was essential for the controlled demolition of the old stadium.

## Examples

- The movie was very triggering for people who have experienced accidents.
- The news report included a warning because the graphic images could be triggering for some viewers.
- Psychologists suggest that seemingly harmless sensory inputs can be deeply triggering if they are subconsciously linked to a patient's unresolved traumatic memories.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.