trigger finger

American  

noun

1. any finger, usually the forefinger, that presses the trigger of a gun.

2. either forefinger, depending on which hand is dominant.

3. Pathology. difficulty in straightening or bending a ring finger, caused by inflammation and thickening of its tendon.

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Etymology

Origin of trigger finger

First recorded in 1820–30

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

trigger finger

And Wall Street had better not get me started on “exponential”—my TI trigger finger is itchy.

From Barron's ● May 1, 2026

Now dealing with an injury to what is literally his trigger finger, Herbert is looking at trying to come back for a team that is 5-8 and all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 11, 2023

A shooter must maintain constant forward pressure on the weapon with the non-shooting hand, and constant pressure on the trigger with the trigger finger, according to court records.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 6, 2023

Netflix has gone from saving canceled shows to axing series like “1899” after a single season, like an old-time broadcaster with an itchy trigger finger.

From New York Times ● Jan. 6, 2023

The impact of Burr’s round then allegedly produced an involuntary jerk on Hamilton’s trigger finger, which sent a round sailing harmlessly above Burr and into the trees.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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