trigger
noun
a small projecting tongue in a firearm that, when pressed by the finger, actuates the mechanism that discharges the weapon.
had triggered
-
past perfectof trigger.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
He replaced the late Cyrus Mistry, whose abrupt removal from the post months earlier had triggered a bitter legal battle.
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
When Michael Borg, town manager of North Attleborough, Mass., saw that its insurance costs had triggered a $1.8 million deficit, he assumed the town’s employees must be getting sicker.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026
The project - which started four years ago - had triggered protests from locals and environmentalists, who argued that the construction work was causing irreparable damage to the Unesco World Heritage Site.
From BBC ● Apr. 1, 2026
The aggressive immigration operation in Minnesota had triggered large protests and nationwide outrage.
From Barron's ● Feb. 15, 2026
As though her reversion had triggered an end to the fantasy, Lazlo reverted, too, and was himself again.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
