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.

Shares of Amazon moved briefly into record territory on Friday, just a few months after fears over the tech giant’s massive planned spending on artificial intelligence triggered a major selloff.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

This triggered a response and was where Arteta's story began.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

A vegetation fire that ignited in Riverside County on Wednesday afternoon damaged at least one home and triggered evacuations in Jurupa Valley.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

It also triggered one of the biggest outbursts of the protests that have periodically rocked the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

“You triggered the alarm system,” Joe said, shaking his head like he wasn’t sure why he was explaining himself.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller