triggering mechanism
What initiates action
A triggering mechanism is what sets something in motion—the component or condition that initiates a larger process.
In weapons, it's the physical assembly that fires the gun or detonates the explosive.
The phrase extends to any catalyst: Stress was the triggering mechanism for her migraines.
In psychology, it may refer to stimuli that activate trauma responses or addictive behaviors.
- catalystAgent enabling change
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- dead man's switchDevice activated by release
- detonatorExplosive initiation device
- fuseProtective melting wire
firing pin · ignition · spark · set off · lever · release · activator · threshold · point of no return · tripwire · button · spring · hammer · firing · pin · latch · sensor · impulse
triggering mechanismsafety mechanism
Feature preventing unintended operation
fail-safe · inhibitor · suppressor · countermeasure · safeguard
triggering mechanismkill switch
Emergency shutoff mechanism
off switch · override · reset mechanism · neutralizer · release mechanism
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