trigger

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Arizona officials have warned if the amount of water flowing into Lake Mead falls below a legal trigger point, that would allow the state to sue for a violation of the compact.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

He sees that possible as fears over energy shortages and rate hikes could trigger “eventual negative growth shocks around the world,” potentially dragging major economies into recession.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

The Chinese regulations feature vague provisions that make it hard for foreign businesses to judge what would trigger Beijing’s reaction—which may be part of the point.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

But the length of the current conflict is unpredictable, and could yet trigger stress through “channels not yet fully apparent.”

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Citigroup’s failure, however, would also trigger the payoff of a massive bet of unknown dimensions: from people who had sold credit default swaps on Citigroup to those who had bought them.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis