trigger vs activate

trigger is a noun but activate is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
trigger	Yes	No	Yes	No
activate	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, trigger and activate are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of trigger include actuate, set off, spark, spark off, touch off, trigger off, trip.

trigger (noun)	activate (noun)
an act that sets in motion some course of events
lever that activates the firing mechanism of a gun
a device that activates or releases or causes something to happen

trigger (verb)	activate (verb)
release or pull the trigger on	make active or more active
put in motion or move to act	make (substances) radioactive
	aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter
	make more adsorptive
	put in motion or move to act