The word "triggered" refers to the act of causing something to happen, often suddenly or unexpectedly. It can also describe a response or reaction that is initiated by a specific event or stimulus. In psychological contexts, "triggered" is often used to describe when an individual experiences a strong emotional reaction due to a memory or reminder of a past trauma.
The term "triggered" comes from the noun "trigger," which has its roots in the late Middle English term "triggen," meaning to draw a trigger of a gun. Over time, it evolved to represent causing an action or response in various contexts.