Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for trigger on Thesaurus.com 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 .Show More
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. Show More
verb (used without object) to release a trigger. to become active; activate. Show More
quick on the trigger , Informal quick to act or respond; impetuous; alert. Show More
Origin of trigger 1615–25; earlier
tricker <
Dutch trekker, equivalent to
trekk(en ) to pull +
-er -er1 Related forms un·trig·gered , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for trigger Contemporary Examples of trigger People felt that crossed all lines, and then it became a story, so there are tipping points that trigger a public response.
I was the one to trigger the detonator, and for that I take full responsibility.
Even private institutions, which most likely have less bureaucratic hurdles to deal with, have been slow to pull the trigger .
But witnesses say Muataz definitely was the shooter, and he even went so far as to apologize to Glick before pulling the trigger .
But this Pavlovian trigger cannot be effective indefinitely.
Historical Examples of trigger Had his fist in my face before I could get my finger on the trigger .
He had missed, and when the sergeant was ready to pull the trigger also Slade was gone.
He pressed the trigger at just the right time as the buck was rising in the air.
But he did not shoot, though one could see how his fingers must itch for the feel of the trigger .
Put up your sword, for the trigger falls easy, and my finger is a twitching.'
British Dictionary definitions for trigger 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 Show More
(usually foll by off) to give rise (to); set off to fire or set in motion by or as by pulling a trigger Show More
Derived Forms triggered , adjective triggerless , 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
Word Origin and History for trigger n. 1650s, earlier tricker (1620s), from Dutch trekker "trigger," from trekken "to pull" (see trek ). Tricker was the usual form in English until c.1750. Trigger-happy is attested from 1943.
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v. 1930, from trigger (n.). Related: Triggered ; triggering .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Idioms and Phrases with trigger In addition to the idiom beginning with trigger
also see:
quick on the draw (trigger) Show More
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
