Crossword Genius

Vacate it, using trigger (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

activate

'trigger' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'vacate it using' is the wordplay.
'using' indicates anagramming the letters (the letters used in a different way).
'vacate'+'it'='vacateit'
'vacateit' is an anagram of 'ACTIVATE'.

(Other definitions for activate that I've seen before include "Give life to" , "Switch on" , "Set off, trip" , "Put in motion" , "Cause to move or start" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app