What does triggered mean?
“Triggered” is the past tense and past participle of “trigger,” and is used to describe causing an action, event, emotion, or chain of reactions to begin. It is especially common in expressions such as “trigger a response,” “trigger an alarm,” and “trigger memories.” In a mechanical context, the word refers to activating a device or process. In psychological and social contexts, it describes a stimulus that elicits a strong emotional response. As an adjective, “triggered” can mean activated or emotionally reactive; in informal online conversation, it may describe someone who has become upset, defensive, or hypersensitive. The word can therefore refer to anything from starting a mechanism to setting off a difficult memory. Its usefulness lies in capturing the relationship between a cause and its potentially powerful consequence: a trigger may be small, but the resulting reaction can be considerable.
To cause an action, event, emotion, or reaction to begin; to set off a process or activate a mechanism.
"The sudden noise triggered a panic in the room."
Common in both formal and informal English. The word often emphasizes a cause that sets a subsequent reaction or sequence of events in motion.
Emotionally or psychologically activated or reactive, especially as a result of a sensitive topic or experience.
"The discussion left several participants visibly triggered."
The adjective is common in contemporary informal usage. It can be perceived as insensitive when used to dismiss another person's emotional response.
One small event can set off an entire chain of reactions—the word captures how causes can become unexpectedly powerful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How triggered is actually used
The verb is standard in formal and informal contexts and is neutral in tone. The adjective use is especially common in contemporary informal and online speech, where describing someone as “triggered” can mean emotionally activated or reactive, but may sound dismissive when used to minimize another person's distress.