hair trigger

¹

noun

1. a trigger that allows the firing mechanism of a firearm to be operated by very slight pressure.

hair-trigger

²

[hair-trig-er]

adjective

1. easily activated or set off; reacting immediately to the slightest provocation or cause.

   a hair-trigger temper.

hair trigger

noun

1. a trigger of a firearm that responds to very slight pressure

2. informal

   1. any mechanism, reaction, etc, set in operation by slight provocation

   2. ( as modifier )

      a hair-trigger temper

Word History and Origins

Origin of hair trigger¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Origin of hair trigger²

First recorded in 1885–90

Related Words

• critical 
• precarious 
• sensitive 
• ticklish 
• touchy 
• tricky 
• unpredictable 
• volatile