hair trigger

¹

noun

1. a trigger that allows the firing mechanism of a firearm to be operated by very slight pressure.

hair-trigger

²

[ hair-trig-er ]

adjective

1. easily activated or set off; reacting immediately to the slightest provocation or cause:

   a hair-trigger temper.

hair trigger

noun

1. a trigger of a firearm that responds to very slight pressure
2. informal.
   1. any mechanism, reaction, etc, set in operation by slight provocation
   2. ( as modifier )

      a hair-trigger temper

Word History and Origins

Origin of hair trigger¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Origin of hair trigger²

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Politically, we live in volatile times, which makes the hair-trigger Trump a perfect totem for our unpredictable age.

From Los Angeles Times

After that, it was hard to shake the “problem actor” label, especially given the hair-trigger eccentrics he was manifesting so convincingly on film.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Morrissey ordered more tests to determine whether Baldwin’s gun had a hair-trigger, as the defense team suggested.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet, to some, there is a feeling that the situation is just one hair-trigger moment away from tragedy, says Mark Naison, who took part in the sometimes violent protests at Columbia in 1968.

From Seattle Times

Highsmith’s pulpy concoction, with its hair-trigger killings and sudden reversals, is run through a strainer and comes out smooth.

From New York Times

Related Words

• critical
• precarious
• sensitive
• ticklish
• touchy
• tricky
• unpredictable
• volatile