trigger

[trig-er]

noun

1. a small projecting tongue in a firearm that, when pressed by the finger, actuates the mechanism that discharges the weapon.

2. a device, as a lever, the pulling or pressing of which releases a catch or spring.

3. anything, as an act or event, that serves as a stimulus and initiates or precipitates a reaction or series of reactions.

4. something that evokes the memory of a traumatic experience, setting off an intense negative emotional reaction.

   This issue of the magazine contains accounts of sexual assault, and may be a trigger for some people.

5. Slang.,  triggerman.

verb (used with object)

1. to initiate or precipitate (a chain of events, scientific reaction, psychological process, etc.).

   Their small protest triggered a mass demonstration.

2. to fire or explode (a gun, missile, etc.) by pulling a trigger or releasing a triggering device.

   He accidentally triggered his rifle.

3. to set off a negative emotional reaction in (someone), as by evoking the memory of a traumatic experience, repeatedly raising a sensitive issue, etc..

   I missed seeing my mom in the ICU before she died, and imagining her there triggers me every time I see ICU footage on TV.

verb (used without object)

1. to release a trigger.

2. to become active; activate.

trigger

/ ˈtrɪɡə /

noun

1. a small projecting lever that activates the firing mechanism of a firearm

2. machinery a device that releases a spring-loaded mechanism or a similar arrangement

3. any event that sets a course of action in motion

verb

1. (usually foll by off) to give rise (to); set off

2. to fire or set in motion by or as by pulling a trigger

Other Word Forms

• triggered adjective
• triggerless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trigger¹

First recorded in 1615–25; earlier tricker, from Dutch trekker, equivalent to trekk(en) “to pull” + -er -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of trigger¹

C17 tricker , from Dutch trekker , from trekken to pull; see _trek

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. quick on the trigger, quick to act or respond; impetuous; alert.

More idioms and phrases containing trigger

• quick on the draw (trigger)

Example Sentences

They are concerned that encouraging abstinence from particular foods could trigger binge eating and extreme dieting to compensate.

Read more on Salon

“This helped offset losses…after a stronger USD and easing geopolitical risks triggered a wave of profit taking.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But Davis said the surge in sweeps has residents scared and exasperated, triggering a trickle-down effect that can swamp a community's economy.

Read more on Barron's

"If any of it feels uncomfortable or it's a triggering process... communicate that and say: 'OK, stop.'"

Read more on BBC

It is the first time scientists have declared that Earth has likely reached a so-called "tipping point" -- a shift that could trigger massive and often permanent changes in the natural world.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• bring about 
• cause 
• generate 
• produce 
• prompt 
• provoke 
• set off 
• spark 
• start