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

• ˈtriggerless, adjective
• ˈtriggered, 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) .

Example Sentences

So if the media agency wants to pull the trigger, it’s a simple export or recreation for an actual activation.

From Digiday

The process of marketing a children’s magazine to parents You’ve got a really interesting set of purchase triggers that you go through.

From Digiday

Understanding your triggers means you can avoid them, but more importantly it means you can identify in advance when something might make you feel anxious—and therefore, you can recognize early on when you’re experiencing anxiety.

From Popular-Science

Here, the task force recommends that Congress potentially clarify a trigger for a transition to begin, rather than leaving it to the discretion of officials.

From Vox

If you find any resistance—meaning, you find a trigger point or any kind of stiffness in your temporalis—stop the movement and apply whatever pressure you’re comfortable with for 30 seconds to a minute.

From Popular-Science

One report has the AirAsia Airbus flying at a speed very close to what would trigger a low speed stall.

From The Daily Beast

People felt that crossed all lines, and then it became a story, so there are tipping points that trigger a public response.

From The Daily Beast

I was the one to trigger the detonator, and for that I take full responsibility.

From The Daily Beast

Even private institutions, which most likely have less bureaucratic hurdles to deal with, have been slow to pull the trigger.

From The Daily Beast

But witnesses say Muataz definitely was the shooter, and he even went so far as to apologize to Glick before pulling the trigger.

From The Daily Beast

"I ordered you not to come," said Aspinall: "I can still pull a trigger, Sir," replied the man.

From Project Gutenberg

Not while I had the open prairie underfoot and the summer sky above, and hands to strike a blow or pull a trigger.

From Project Gutenberg

Every thicket will have its troop; every finger, for a hundred leagues round, will be on the trigger.

From Project Gutenberg

The gunner, who sits on the seat behind the gun, points it and pulls the trigger.

From Project Gutenberg

Inside the case was some sort of a trigger mechanism operated by a button on the outside.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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