Triggers Definition | Definition of Triggers at Dictionary.com

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triggers - 3 dictionary results

trig⋅ger

[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 detent 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.	Slang. triggerman.

–verb (used with object)

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

6.	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)

7.	to release a trigger.

8.	to become active; activate.

—Idiom

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

Origin:
1615–25; earlier tricker < D trekker, equiv. to trekk(en) to pull + -er -er ¹

[trig-er-muh

n, -man]

–noun, plural -men [-muh

n, -men]

. Informal.

1.	a gangster who specializes in gunning people down.

2.	a bodyguard, esp. of a gangster.

Also called trigger.

Origin:
1920–25; trigger + man ¹

Link To triggers

trig·ger (trĭg'ər)

1. The lever pressed by the finger to discharge a firearm.
2. A similar device used to release or activate a mechanism.
An event that precipitates other events.
Electronics A pulse or circuit that initiates the action of another component.

tr.v. trig·gered, trig·ger·ing, trig·gers

[Dutch trekker, from Middle Dutch trecker, from trecken, to pull.]

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