trigger
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 catch or spring.
anything, as an act or event, that serves as a stimulus and initiates or precipitates a reaction or series of reactions.
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.
Slang. triggerman.
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.
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.
to release a trigger.
to become active; activate.
Idioms about trigger
Origin of trigger
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use trigger in a sentence
They probably would avoid an out-and-out quarrel, where the chances would be even for a quick draw and quick trigger work.
The Heritage of the Hills | Arthur P. HankinsWhen the quick-trigger engines get to work, they forget that a democracy does not consider fighting the first duty of man.
The Life and Letters of Walter H. Page, Volume II | Burton J. HendrickA democracy is not a quick-trigger war-engine and can't be made into one.
The Life and Letters of Walter H. Page, Volume II | Burton J. Hendrick
British Dictionary definitions for trigger
/ (ˈtrɪɡə) /
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
(usually foll by off) to give rise (to); set off
to fire or set in motion by or as by pulling a trigger
Origin of trigger
1Derived forms of trigger
- triggered, adjective
- triggerless, adjective
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
Other Idioms and Phrases with trigger
In addition to the idiom beginning with trigger
- trigger happy
also see:
- quick on the draw (trigger)
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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