Present participle of trigger; causing something to happen or begin suddenly. In psychology, causing an intense emotional reaction due to past trauma.
From Dutch 'trekker' meaning 'puller', from 'trekken' (to pull). Originally referred to the mechanism that releases a firearm's hammer, first recorded in English in the 1650s. The psychological meaning emerged in the late 20th century through trauma therapy.
The evolution from a purely mechanical term to a psychological one reflects our growing understanding of the human mind. Just as a gun's trigger requires only slight pressure to release tremendous force, psychological triggers can unleash powerful emotional responses from seemingly minor stimuli - a perfect metaphor that became literal terminology.
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