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 team believes giant prey animals may have triggered an "evolutionary arms race" in which predators evolved stronger jaws and skulls to overpower increasingly massive herbivores.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

A hot inflation reading last week triggered the latest worries.

From Barron's • 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

That came shortly after one of the UK's wettest winters on record in 2023-24, which triggered widespread flooding.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The suggestion triggered memories of his father’s love for that group.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson