get triggered

USAGE SUMMARY

"get triggered" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is usually used to describe when an emotional reaction is caused by a particular stimulus. For example: "My anger tends to get triggered when I'm in loud, crowded places."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Maybe Article 50 will never get triggered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I would get triggered by something and I'd shake or shiver," she says.

The Guardian

Is there a way to structure the deal so the tax doesn't get triggered?

The New York Times

"Sometimes all it takes to get triggered is to read about someone who weighs less than you do".

The New York Times - Books

So some brands might want to be careful that they aren't bidding on terms that get triggered too soon in the process".

The Guardian - Tech

This hide-and-seek behavior can get triggered if you accidentally press the keyboard shortcut for the setting, which is Option-Command-D.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Most times that self-belief is latent, but it gets triggered by some unexpected circumstance.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is disgusting, but it gets triggered either by me picking my nose or by me getting really excited".

The New Yorker

"Then the idea grew inside him and his mind got triggered by the idea of doing something that big.

The Guardian - Books

Here's how Tria rewards insurance companies: Tria only gets triggered if the Treasury secretary designates an attack as a "terrorist event".

The Guardian - Business

Indeed, it is the breakdown of these normal cues that produces PTSD, where the fear response gets triggered in inappropriate situations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing emotional responses, consider the audience and context to determine if "get triggered" is the most appropriate and sensitive term. In some formal settings, it may be better to use a more neutral phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "get triggered" excessively in formal or academic writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound informal or colloquial, and it may not be suitable for all audiences. Opt for more precise or formal alternatives depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get triggered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is being acted upon by a trigger. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, reflecting its established role in describing reactions to stimuli.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get triggered" is a common and acceptable verb phrase used to describe an emotional or psychological reaction to a stimulus. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, it's important to consider the audience and context when using this phrase, as more formal alternatives may be appropriate. Related phrases like "become activated" or "elicit a response" can offer a more formal or precise nuance. Understanding the function, purpose, and register of "get triggered" allows for effective and sensitive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get set off

Similar in meaning, emphasizing a sudden or abrupt start of a reaction.

experience a reaction

Highlights the experience of a reaction, either emotional or physical.

become activated

Focuses on the activation aspect, suitable for describing systems or processes.

elicit a response

More formal and general, emphasizing the act of causing a response.

be sparked

Focuses on the initial catalyst that leads to a reaction or development.

become reactive

Focuses on the state of being reactive rather than the triggering event.

be stimulated

Focuses on the stimulation that causes a reaction, often in a physical or sensory context.

be prompted

Indicates a cue or suggestion that initiates an action or feeling.

kick in

Informal, implying a sudden start or effect, often used for medications or systems.

undergo a change

More general, referring to any kind of transformation or alteration.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get triggered"?

To "get triggered" means to have an emotional or psychological reaction to a specific stimulus, often related to past trauma or negative experiences. It implies a strong, often negative, response.

Are there more formal alternatives to "get triggered"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "elicit a response", "experience a reaction", or "become activated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "get triggered" considered offensive?

While not inherently offensive, using "get triggered" may be insensitive in certain contexts, especially when discussing trauma or mental health. Consider your audience and the potential impact of your words.

How can I use "get triggered" correctly in a sentence?

You can use "get triggered" to describe a specific event or stimulus that causes a reaction. For example, "Certain sounds can "get set off" negative memories and cause me to "get triggered"."