feels triggered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feels triggered" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a strong emotional reaction, typically in response to a specific stimulus or situation that evokes past trauma or distress. Example: "When she heard the news about the accident, she immediately felt triggered and needed to take a moment to collect herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These days, Buckmaster said, she struggles to cope when she feels triggered or depressed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sia has apologised to anyone who felt "triggered" by her video for new single Elastic Heart.

The Guardian - Music

Framed as a questionnaire, the survey ranges from simple questions ("Have you eaten recently?") to those especially relevant for people facing oppression and trauma: "Do you feel triggered?

The New Yorker

He added, "Her social-media advisers are twenty-four-year-old basic bitches who feel triggered by us, and so they asked their boss to yell at us and make us go away.

The New Yorker

I feel triggered all over again.

Huffington Post

"If I feel triggered, I use it and everything stops.

Vice

When we feel triggered, if we will change our usual response, people will change their behavior.

Huffington Post

Women who had experienced assault said they felt triggered simply by reading the news.

Huffington Post

I felt scared for us all, I felt triggered, I felt sad, I felt empowered, and I felt overwhelmed by an ultimately unjust commonality that women share.

Huffington Post

When you feel triggered by your partner, try to take a breath or take a walk before you react.

Huffington Post

1. Be mindful Practicing mindfulness can help in almost any situation in which we feel triggered emotionally.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feels triggered", be mindful of the context and audience. It's often used in discussions about trauma, so sensitivity is key. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants the term, avoiding overuse or trivialization.

Common error

Avoid using "feels triggered" lightly in everyday conversations. The term carries weight, often relating to past trauma. Using it casually can diminish its significance and potentially offend those who genuinely experience triggering events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feels triggered" functions as a verb phrase, typically describing a subjective emotional experience. The Ludwig AI confirms the term's validity and usability in describing a strong emotional reaction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feels triggered" is a grammatically correct and increasingly common way to describe a strong emotional reaction, especially in contexts related to trauma or past negative experiences. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a heightened state of emotional arousal. While usage is generally appropriate in news and media, it's crucial to exercise sensitivity and avoid trivializing the term in casual conversation. Alternative phrases like "experiences a strong reaction" or "is deeply affected" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiences a strong reaction

This phrase captures a powerful response without specifying the nature of the emotion.

feels affected

Indicates being influenced or impacted emotionally by something.

is deeply affected

Highlights the profound influence an event or situation has on someone's emotional state.

feels activated

This suggests a state of being stimulated or aroused, either positively or negatively, leading to a response.

feels distressed

Describes a state of mental or emotional suffering.

feels emotionally charged

This indicates a strong emotional response, often intense and possibly overwhelming.

feels overwhelmed

This indicates a feeling of being burdened by too much, leading to emotional strain.

feels agitated

Suggests a state of restlessness and unease, often with an underlying cause.

feels vulnerable

Conveys a sense of exposure and susceptibility to emotional harm.

feels sensitive

Suggests a heightened awareness and susceptibility to emotional impact.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "feels triggered"?

When someone "feels triggered", it means they are experiencing a strong emotional reaction, often reminiscent of a past trauma. This reaction can be sparked by a specific stimulus or situation.

Are there alternative ways to say someone "feels triggered"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could say they "experiences a strong reaction", "is deeply affected", or "feels emotionally charged".

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "feels triggered" in all situations?

No, it's important to be sensitive when using the phrase "feels triggered". It's best suited for situations involving trauma or strong emotional responses, and should be avoided in casual or trivial contexts.

What's the difference between "feels triggered" and "feels upset"?

"Feels upset" describes a general state of unhappiness, while "feels triggered" implies a more intense, trauma-related reaction. Triggering involves a specific stimulus that evokes past distress, whereas feeling upset can stem from various causes.