triggered

[trig-erd] / ˈtrɪg ərd /

VERB

cause to happen

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bring about cause generate produce prompt provoke set off spark start

STRONG

activate elicit

WEAK

give rise to set in motion

Antonyms

STRONGEST

destroy end halt prevent stop

WEAK

block check

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.

The issue that ostensibly triggered the probe was an appearance in February by James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

A similar boom happened after the 2022 energy crisis triggered by the Ukraine war.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Scientists believe this process, known as buoyancy-driven calving, triggered the glacier's second phase of retreat.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

On Sunday, the UAE said a drone strike had triggered a fire near its nuclear power station, calling the incident a "dangerous escalation".

From BBC • May 18, 2026

But my hesitancy only triggered something in Czerny that I will forever associate with New Yorkers—an instinctive and immediate push back against thinking small.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama