triggers

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.

Today’s decision permits the executive, in at least some circumstances, to prevent that process from ever beginning by controlling the very event that triggers it.

From Slate • Jun. 26, 2026

Apple’s move triggers the biggest single-day decline for its stock in more than a year.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

While the blacklist does not freeze finances immediately, it triggers a brutal operational penalty on 30 June.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

Although it is typically temporary, surgery triggers biological changes including inflammation and increased sensitivity within the body's pain pathways, which can intensify discomfort.

From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026

And second, some genes are activated by external triggers or by random chance.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee