Trigger Definition

trĭgər
triggered, triggering, triggers
noun
triggers
A small lever or part which when pulled or pressed releases a catch, spring, etc.
Webster's New World
In firearms, a small lever pressed back by the finger to activate the firing mechanism.
Webster's New World
A similar device used to release or activate a mechanism.
American Heritage
An event that precipitates other events.
American Heritage
An act, impulse, etc. that initiates an action, series of events, etc.
Webster's New World
verb
triggered, triggering, triggers
To fire or activate by pulling or pressing a trigger.
Webster's New World
To initiate (an action); set off.
The fight that triggered the riot.
Webster's New World

To fire a weapon.

Wiktionary
To induce a powerful emotional reaction in, especially by evoking memories of past trauma.
American Heritage Medicine
Antonyms:
idiom
quick on the trigger
  • quick to fire a gun
  • quick to act, understand, retort, etc.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Trigger

Noun

Singular:
trigger
Plural:
triggers

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Trigger

  • quick on the trigger

Origin of Trigger

  • Originally tricker, from Dutch trekker (“pull", noun, as in "drawer-pull", "bell-pull"), from trekken (“to drag, draw, pull").

    From Wiktionary

  • Dutch trekker from Middle Dutch trecker from trecken to pull

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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