trigger

[ 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 catch 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. 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.

5. Slang. triggerman.

verb (used with object)

1. to initiate or precipitate (a chain of events, scientific reaction, psychological process, etc.):

   Their small protest triggered a mass demonstration.

2. to fire or explode (a gun, missile, etc.) by pulling a trigger or releasing a triggering device:

   He accidentally triggered his rifle.

3. 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.

verb (used without object)

1. to release a trigger.
2. to become active; activate.

trigger

/ ˈtrɪɡə /

noun

1. a small projecting lever that activates the firing mechanism of a firearm
2. machinery a device that releases a spring-loaded mechanism or a similar arrangement
3. any event that sets a course of action in motion

verb

1. usually foll by off to give rise (to); set off
2. to fire or set in motion by or as by pulling a trigger

Derived Forms

• ˈtriggered, adjective
• ˈtriggerless, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trigger¹

First recorded in 1615–25; earlier tricker, from Dutch trekker, equivalent to trekk(en) “to pull” + -er -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of trigger¹

C17 tricker , from Dutch trekker , from trekken to pull; see trek

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

More idioms and phrases containing trigger

In addition to the idiom beginning with trigger , also see quick on the draw (trigger) .

Related Words

• bring about
• cause
• generate
• produce
• prompt
• provoke
• set off
• spark
• start