activate

Compared meaning: to cause something to start (verb).

比较义项：引发，使开始运作（动词）。

• trigger

  Trigger usually describes an unintended chain reaction — an event, emotion, or physical response set off by a cause, often without deliberate action.

  trigger 通常指某个原因引发的意外连锁反应——事件、情绪或生理反应，往往并非刻意造成。

  Certain foods can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive people.

  某些食物可能会引发敏感人群的过敏反应。

• activate 本词

  Activate describes a deliberate action that turns on a device, system, or mechanism, typically by pressing a switch or button.

  activate 表示有意采取的动作，用来启动装置、系统或机制，通常通过按开关或按钮完成。

  She pressed the switch to activate the security camera.

  她按下开关以启动安全摄像头。

Trigger and activate both mean to cause something to start. Trigger usually describes an unintended chain reaction, like an emotion or physical response set off by a cause. Activate describes a deliberate action that turns on a device or system, often by pressing a switch.

trigger 和 activate 都表示使某事开始发生，但 trigger 强调由某个原因引发的意外连锁反应，常用于情绪、生理反应等负面或非计划性的结果；activate 强调有意采取动作去启动装置、系统或机制。这里不比较 trigger 作名词“扳机”的用法。