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The word has lots of original meanings, many of which are quite disparate: "Large price increases could trigger demands for even larger wage increases." "His
by CPLX 10y ago
The word has lots of original meanings, many of which are quite disparate:
"Large price increases could trigger demands for even larger wage increases."
"His unpleasant remark triggered an argument that almost cost them their friendship"
"Studies show that lack of water is the number one trigger of daytime fatigue for Americans."
And so on. The usage you're citing is relatively recent jargon.
- jordigh 10y agoYes, that's exactly the problem: it's psychological jargon. People started using it in a jargon way to try to explain to others what PTSD is like. It was supposed to evoke compassion from people if they understood what triggering someone was. Instead it became a point of ridicule and mockery, "oh, I hurt your feelings? Did I trigger you, sweetheart?"
- CPLX 10y agoThen I suppose it hasn't worked has it. Efforts to unilaterally redefine common words are not always successful. The word, when used as a verb, originally refers to a consequential relationship between two entities. According to Webster's something triggers when it "initiates, actuates or sets off" another thing. It appears her usage of the word is entirely and completely correct.
- actuallyalys 10y agoI think people need to realize that using psychological terms casually isn't like using other scientific concepts casually: doing so tends to trivialize mental illnesses most people already poorly understand.