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) .

Example Sentences

More than 40 died in that incident, which triggered revenge attacks.

From BBC

On two separate occasions, Mia didn’t score highly enough in initial screenings to trigger a formal assessment.

From BBC

But once inside the target cell, they become positively charged, triggering the release of the mRNA payload.

From Science Daily

A major cause of melanoma is excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, from sunlight or other sources, which can trigger mutations that promote tumor formation.

From Science Daily

Thursday's strike on Dnipro was described as unusual by eyewitnesses and triggered explosions which went on for three hours.

From BBC

Related Words

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