trigger mechanism

American  

noun

1. a physiological or psychological process caused by a stimulus and resulting in a usually severe reaction.

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Example Sentences

Justice Alito appeared supportive of Mr. Mitchell’s argument that the ban overreached because the device itself does not physically touch and move the trigger mechanism in a rifle.

From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2024

“There was no trigger mechanism, the guy was obviously a nut. Bombs have triggering mechanisms, hoaxes have pipes without triggering mechanisms.”

From The New Yorker • Nov. 6, 2018

It’s a trigger mechanism: as soon as he says it, the chants begin.

From The Guardian • Nov. 1, 2018

“I could hear a helicopter in my sleep and wake up screaming. That was kind of a trigger mechanism that took me back there every time.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2016

There was a click as the trigger mechanism locked the bowstring in place p. 73 and at the same time a concealed spring arrangement shoved an arrow into place against the string.

From Space Prison by Godwin, Tom