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

The by-election was triggered when Labour MP Josh Simons announced he would step down to allow his party colleague Andy Burnham the chance to seek a way back into the House of Commons.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The issue that ostensibly triggered the probe was an appearance in February by James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

So far this year, more than 1,150 Polymarket bets have triggered disputes, surpassing the total for all of 2025, according to Betmoar, a trading terminal for the platform’s users.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

After corn’s arrival in the eastern United States, seven centuries more passed before the development of a corn variety productive in North American climates triggered the Mississippian emergence.

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