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.

That triggered a tit-for-tat contest as both parties raced to squeeze out extra seats before November.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Indeed, Lockheed Martin, the U.S. defense giant that makes missiles for the Patriot air-defense system, produces only about 620 interceptor missiles a year despite huge demand triggered by the wars involving Russia and Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Mao founded Communist China in 1949 and led it through a tumultuous and devastating period in the 1960s and 1970s, when an attempt at rapid industrialisation triggered a famine, killing tens of millions.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Stocks had roared back from March losses triggered by the Iran war.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 19, 2026

TimeStar held his time travel device in his palm, triggered it with his thumb.

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles