trigger word

English

Noun

trigger word (plural trigger words)

1. (linguistics, psychology) A word or phrase that elicits a strong emotional or psychological reaction based on an individual's past experiences, particularly related to trauma or a mental health condition.
   • 1932, Religion in Life‎, number 39, page 136:

     The former term, though feebly justified later in the text, stands as a historical trigger word of high emotional impact.