trigger warnings
Sensitivity notices beforehand
Trigger warnings are notices alerting audiences that content may cause distress, particularly for people with trauma histories.
Common in academic syllabi, online posts, and media: The article came with trigger warnings for sexual assault.
Originally from mental health contexts referring to PTSD triggers, the practice expanded broadly and became politically contested—supporters see them as compassionate accommodation, critics as coddling.
- advisoryNotice recommending action
- viewer discretionContent warning notice
- prefaceIntroductory book section
- heads upAdvance warning notice
- spoiler alertCourtesy before plot disclosure
content · precaution · flashbacks · sensitivity · safe spaces · safe space · PTSD · trauma · coping mechanisms · harm reduction · disclaimer · anxiety · emotional distress · mental health · mental health awareness · informed consent · alert · psychological impact
- book culturereading, reader, book lover, bookworm, bibliophile
- censorshipbanned books, censored, banned, book banning, book bans
- platform rulesterms of service, community guidelines, content moderation, user agreement, acceptable use
- education lawTitle IX, FERPA, disability rights, student rights, admissions policy
- Modern Feminismintersectionality, riot grrrl, reproductive rights, workplace equality, pay equity
- social equityracial justice, disability rights, racial equity, diversity training, intersectionality
trigger warningscold exposure
Contact with low temperatures
ambush · shock tactics · blindsiding · baptism by fire · immersive experience
trigger warningsexposure therapy
Anxiety treatment through confrontation
toughening up · sink or swim · desensitization · antifragility · tough love
trigger, warning, triggers, triggered, triggering, warnings, warn, warns, warned