triggered

American  

[trig-erd] / ˈtrɪg ərd /

adjective

1. started, set in motion, or released by a specified thing or in a specified way.

   I saw an article online about obesity-triggered heart disease.

   When any of the cameras detects a motion, the LCD screen displays live video from the triggered camera.

2. fired or exploded by pulling a trigger or releasing a triggering device.

   One of the triggered missiles blew up in the second level of the building, injuring three people.

3. having an intense negative emotional reaction to something, usually something connected with past trauma or a bad experience.

   When a stressful social encounter makes me feel triggered and panicky, I try to distance myself from the situation.

   Consider using a triggered state, such as anger or anxiety, as a signal to yourself to pause and relax.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of trigger.

Other Word Forms

• untriggered adjective

Etymology

Origin of triggered

trigger ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

"In our situation, we assume that the shift in membrane composition is triggered by hyperactivity of the affected neurons due to Alzheimer's disease. That is, these neurons exhibit abnormal firing."

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

When the episode featuring Allahbadia triggered backlash, the reaction was swift.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

It also precipitated devastating civil wars in Syria, Yemen, and Libya, which triggered large-scale migration from the region to Europe.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby said the hike in jet fuel prices triggered by the conflict in Iran could put some airlines out of business.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Jesper caught himself nervously wiggling the baleen wedged between his teeth with his tongue and forced himself to stop before he triggered it.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• bring about
• cause
• generate
• produce
• prompt
• provoke
• set off
• spark
• start