Langimage
English

triggers

|trig-gers|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈtrɪɡərz/

🇬🇧

/ˈtrɪɡəz/

(trigger)

cause to happen

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleAdjective
triggertriggerstriggerstriggeredtriggeredtriggeringtriggerable
Etymology
Etymology Information

'trigger' originates from Dutch, specifically the word 'trekker,' where 'trekken' meant 'to pull.'

Historical Evolution

'trekker' transformed into the English word 'trigger' during the 17th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a device to release a mechanism,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cause an event or situation to happen.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small device that releases a spring or catch and so sets off a mechanism, especially in order to fire a gun.

He pulled the trigger of the gun.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist.

The news triggered a wave of protests.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/14 08:14