triggerman

American  

[trig-er-muhn, -man] / ˈtrɪg ər mən, -ˌmæn /

noun

Informal.

plural

triggermen

1. a gangster who specializes in gunning people down.

2. a bodyguard, especially of a gangster.

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triggerman British  

/ ˈtrɪɡəˌmæn /

noun

1. a person, esp a criminal, who shoots another person

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Etymology

Origin of triggerman

First recorded in 1920–25; trigger + man

Example Sentences

Nobody knows the quarterback position more than the recently retired Tom Brady, and he says leadership qualities even outweigh throwing ability for the modern-day triggerman to be successful.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2023

During the trial, prosecutors used testimony from Demery to identify Daniel A. Green as the triggerman.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2021

With Stafford as his triggerman, McVay’s offense is more explosive than ever.

From Washington Post • Sep. 27, 2021

As the triggerman for the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” offense, he won the MVP award again two years later with another run to the Super Bowl.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 3, 2017

Luke Falk, the triggerman of Mike Leach’s “Air Raid” offense at Washington State, is back in his familiar spot atop the single-game completion chart.

From Washington Times • Sep. 12, 2016