trigger

[ trig-er ]

/ ˈtrɪg ər /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR trigger ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

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

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

Slang. triggerman.

verb (used with object)

to initiate or precipitate (a chain of events, scientific reaction, psychological process, etc.): Their small protest triggered a mass demonstration.

to fire or explode (a gun, missile, etc.) by pulling a trigger or releasing a triggering device: He accidentally triggered his rifle.

verb (used without object)

to release a trigger.

to become active; activate.

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Idioms for trigger

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

Origin of trigger

1615–25; earlier tricker<Dutch trekker, equivalent to trekk(en) to pull + -er-er¹

OTHER WORDS FROM trigger

un·trig·gered, adjective

Words nearby trigger

trigeminus, trigeminy, trigeneration, Trigère, trig function, trigger, trigger area, triggered activity, trigger finger, triggerfish, trigger-happy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for trigger

People felt that crossed all lines, and then it became a story, so there are tipping points that trigger a public response.
Laura Poitras on Snowden's Unrevealed Secrets|Marlow Stern|December 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I was the one to trigger the detonator, and for that I take full responsibility.
Hell Hath No Fury Like Valerie Trierweiler, the French President’s Ex|Lizzie Crocker|November 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Even private institutions, which most likely have less bureaucratic hurdles to deal with, have been slow to pull the trigger.
Millions Promised for Ebola Not Adding Up|Abby Haglage|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But witnesses say Muataz definitely was the shooter, and he even went so far as to apologize to Glick before pulling the trigger.
In Jerusalem Home Demolitions, the Biblical Justice of Revenge|Creede Newton|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But this Pavlovian trigger cannot be effective indefinitely.
The Nuclear Deal That Iran’s Regime Fears Most|Djavad Khadem|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But it was too late: the finger had pulled the trigger and the ball sped true.
To Leeward|F. Marion Crawford
His finger tightened on the trigger, but he caught himself in time.
The Lone Ranger Rides|Fran Striker
I raised mine to my shoulder, and pointing it toward a conspicuous savage, pulled the trigger.
Bill Biddon, Trapper|Edward S. Ellis
As I pulled the trigger of my musket I tried to shout, but my throat was as dry as a furnace and I could only gasp.
For The Honor Of France|Thomas A. Janvier
He already had his forefinger on the trigger of his "single-barrel."
Anderson Crow, Detective|George Barr McCutcheon

British Dictionary definitions for trigger

trigger

/ (ˈtrɪɡə) /

noun

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

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

any event that sets a course of action in motion

verb (tr)

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

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

Derived forms of trigger

triggered, adjectivetriggerless, adjective

Word Origin for trigger

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with trigger

trigger

In addition to the idiom beginning with trigger

trigger happy

also see:

quick on the draw (trigger)

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trigger