déclenche

déclenche is a French verb that translates to "to trigger" or "to set off" in English. It is used to describe the action of causing something to happen, often suddenly or unexpectedly. The verb can apply to a wide range of situations, from physical events to emotional responses.

In a literal sense, déclenche can refer to the act of setting off a device, such as an alarm or an explosion. For example, "Le bruit a déclenché l'alarme" means "The noise triggered the alarm." Similarly, it can describe the initiation of a process or a chain reaction.

Figuratively, déclenche is often used to express the cause of an emotion, a reaction, or a behavior. For instance, "Cette nouvelle l'a déclenché" could mean "This news set him off" or "This news made him react strongly." It implies that a specific event or stimulus has led to a particular outcome or response. The verb can also refer to the onset of a disease or a symptom, indicating the point at which it begins to manifest. The usage of déclenche is versatile and context-dependent, making it a common and useful verb in the French language.