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.

According to the researchers, geological activity connected to the ancient ocean may have triggered mountain formation far from the actual plate boundaries.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

Trump’s post triggered a huge drop in oil prices and a jump in the S&P 500 index.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

Former Moto2 champion Johann Zarco was also taken to hospital after crashing out of the restart, which triggered a second red flag.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

That contest is expected in mid-June at the earliest, meaning any formal leadership challenge is likely to be triggered afterwards.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

These and other discoveries add details, which continue to fascinate me, to our understanding of how agriculture’s rise triggered the rise of agriculturally based complex societies in the ancient world.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond