Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To cause something to start or happen; to initiate a process or reaction. This verb describes the action of being the direct cause that sets a specific event, series of events, or emotional response into motion.

Usage

• The verb "trigger off" is used with a direct object (the thing that is started).
• It often describes starting processes that are rapid, automatic, or difficult to stop once begun, such as chemical reactions, mechanical sequences, emotional responses, or chains of events.
• It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Examples

• Literal:
  • The pressure switch triggered off the alarm system.
  • A spark from the wiring triggered off the explosion.
• Figurative:
  • The announcement triggered off a wave of protests across the country.
  • That particular smell triggered off a childhood memory.

Advanced Usage

• "to trigger off a chain of events": to be the initial cause that starts a series of connected occurrences.
  • The diplomatic incident triggered off a chain of events that led to the conflict.
• The particle "off" can sometimes be omitted, with "trigger" used alone with the same meaning (e.g., ). However, "trigger off" emphasizes the initiation of the process.

Variants and Related Words

• Trigger (verb): The base form, often used interchangeably with "trigger off" to mean "to cause to start."
• Trigger (noun): The device or mechanism that initiates a process (e.g., ). Figuratively, it can be the cause of a reaction (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Activate: to make something operational.
• Set off: to cause something to start, especially suddenly.
• Spark (off): to be the immediate cause of something, especially something sudden or violent.
• Precipitate: to cause an event or situation to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.
• Provoke: to stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Set off: Very similar in meaning to "trigger off," meaning to cause something to start or operate.
  • The landslide set off a series of tremors.
• Spark off: Also very similar, meaning to be the cause of something, especially something sudden.
  • His comment sparked off a heated debate.

Related Idioms

• To be the trigger (for): to be the specific cause or event that starts something.
  • The tax increase was the trigger for the public unrest.
• To pull the trigger (on something): to make the final decision to start a significant action.
  • After months of research, the company finally pulled the trigger on the new project.

Verb

1. put in motion or move to act
   • trigger a reaction
   • actuate the circuits