trigger

Everyday

1. A trigger is the small lever on a gun or tool that you pull to make it work. tree →
2. To trigger something means to make it start or happen. tree →
3. A trigger is something that causes a reaction, such as a thing that sets off an alarm, an allergy or a strong feeling. tree →

In the lessons

In science and safety it means cause: smoke triggers a smoke alarm; pollen can trigger asthma; a lot of rain can trigger a landslide. In everyday talk it is a cause of an action. With toys and tools, a trigger is the part you squeeze, as on a water pistol or spray bottle. Safety: never touch a real gun; tell an adult. Phrases: «pull the trigger», «trigger an alarm», «set off», «asthma triggers».

Examples

• Burnt toast triggered the smoke alarm. tree →
• Dust can trigger my sister's asthma. tree →
• Squeeze the trigger on the spray bottle to water the plants. tree →
• The heavy rain triggered a flood. tree →
• The water pistol has a bright orange trigger. tree →
• Opening the door triggers the doorbell chime. tree →
• Cold air is one of his asthma triggers. tree →
• If you ever find a real gun, don't touch it and tell an adult. tree →
• It began to dig up another tree, when he pulled the trigger and--bang! tree →

Note

Countable noun; regular verb: triggered, triggering (double g in all forms, single r at the end). «Trigger» as a verb is close to «cause» or «set off». A trigger starts something; it is not always the only cause.