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

Other Word Forms

• triggered adjective
• triggerless 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, quick to act or respond; impetuous; alert.

More idioms and phrases containing trigger

• quick on the draw (trigger)

Example Sentences

Protests in Indonesia sparked by economic hardship have elicited a heavy-handed response from police, triggering concerns that the Southeast Asian nation could be returning to its authoritarian past.

From Los Angeles Times

The prime minister said the military's objectives were to defeat Hamas and free its hostages after 22 months of war triggered by the group's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.

From BBC

Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, has pulled the trigger on his plot to usurp the power of the purse from Congress.

From Salon

This inclination appears to be especially true for conservatives, because a fear of death triggers worries about a changing world, and a lack of control.

From Salon

Netanyahu has said recognising statehood in the wake of the Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza, would amount to "a reward for terrorism".

From BBC

Related Words

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