trigger hostility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger hostility" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where an action or statement causes anger or aggression in others. For example, "His comments seemed to trigger hostility among the audience." Alternative expressions include "incite anger" and "provoke resentment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Higher unemployment may trigger hostility to immigrant labour, making it harder for Europe to reform its ungenerous visa and work-permit rules so as to attract foreign talent.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rapporteur's visit has already triggered hostility from some Conservative MPs, who questioned whether the UN had a role in commenting on British housing and highlighting Rolnik's previously stated philosophical scepticism about Britain's "obsessive" approach to home ownership and the right to buy policy.

The Guardian

Sherazi, whose Muslim garb initially triggered hostility in Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin), embodies both.

Los Angeles Times

Among many of Iraq's hard-line Sunni Arab leaders, and still more so among Sunni insurgent groups, the Shiite leaders' ties to Iran are a trigger for hostility and suspicions that trace back far beyond the Iran-Iraq war, to ancient history and the Persian conquest of Mesopotamia.

The New York Times

It could take a year for inspections to yield a full and fair picture of Iraq's armoury.In any case, the discovery of incriminating evidence (in a country around the size of California ) is less likely to be a trigger for hostilities than obstruction of the inspectors.

The Economist

But her role in setting tough conditions for bailing out stricken eurozone "periphery" countries has triggered widespread hostility in those EU states.

BBC

It would trigger more political hostility against the NATO presence and the Karzai government in a country where the battle for hearts and minds is already suffering tremendously from our past errors.

The New York Times

Unease and uncertainty remain high after hostility triggered by last summer's war in Gaza and Islamist terrorist attacks on Jewish targets in Europe this year.

The Guardian

Until the Jeremiah Wright story broke, and the spurious reports that Barack Obama was a Muslim began to circulate, Mr. Obama triggered remarkably little racist hostility.

The New York Times

Arguably the most spectacular, and certainly unplanned, result is the consternation he causes by bravely singing a spoof national anthem at a rodeo in Texas; the electric hostility he triggers in the spectators unnerves one of the horses so much it falls over.

The Guardian - Film

Arguably the most spectacular, and certainly unplanned, result is the consternation he causes by bravely singing a spoof national anthem at a rodeo in Texas; the electric hostility he triggers in the spectators unnerves one of the horses so much it stumbles and falls to the ground.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trigger hostility", consider the intensity of the reaction. If a milder response is more accurate, use a softer term like "elicit discomfort" or "cause unease".

Common error

Avoid using "trigger hostility" when the situation only results in minor disagreement or mild annoyance. Using a phrase with such a strong connotation in a situation that doesn't warrant it would be an overstatement, so use more fitting alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger hostility" functions as a verb phrase, where "trigger" acts as the verb and "hostility" is the direct object. It describes an action that initiates or causes a feeling of antagonism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trigger hostility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of causing or initiating feelings of antagonism. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic and scientific discussions. When using "trigger hostility", it is important to consider the specific context and intensity of the reaction being described, opting for alternatives like "elicit hostility" or "provoke animosity" if a milder expression is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit hostility

Focuses on drawing out existing feelings rather than initiating them.

provoke animosity

Emphasizes a deeper, more ingrained feeling of ill will.

ignite resentment

Suggests a smoldering feeling that bursts into flame.

spark outrage

Highlights a sudden and intense burst of anger.

foment discord

Implies deliberate instigation of disagreement and conflict.

generate antagonism

Focuses on the creation of opposing feelings or actions.

stir up conflict

Indicates the act of causing a conflict to emerge or escalate.

incite animosity

Implies encouraging animosity or ill-feeling among people.

breed contempt

Highlights the gradual development of a feeling of disdain.

prompt aggression

Suggests a direct cause-and-effect relationship leading to aggressive behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "trigger hostility" in a sentence?

You can use "trigger hostility" to describe something that causes anger or aggression. For example, "His comments seemed to "trigger hostility" among the audience".

What are some alternatives to "trigger hostility"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "elicit hostility", "provoke animosity", or "ignite resentment".

Is "trigger hostility" formal or informal?

"Trigger hostility" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for neutral and professional settings like news reporting or academic discussions.

What's the difference between "trigger hostility" and "cause discomfort"?

"Trigger hostility" implies a strong negative reaction involving anger and aggression, while "cause discomfort" suggests a milder, more general feeling of unease or displeasure. The phrase "cause discomfort" does not convey the strong animosity the phrase "trigger hostility" conveys.