First Known Use: 1621
Dictionary
1trigger
noun trig·ger \ˈtri-gər\
: a lever on a gun that you pull to fire the gun
: something that causes something else to happen
Full Definition of TRIGGER
1
a : a piece (as a lever) connected with a catch or detent as a means of releasing it; especially : the part of the action moved by the finger to fire a gun b : a similar movable part by which a mechanism is actuated <trigger of a spray gun>
2
: something that acts like a mechanical trigger in initiating a process or reaction
— trigger adjective
— trig·gered \-gərd\ adjective
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Origin of TRIGGER
alteration of earlier tricker, from Dutch trekker, from Middle Dutch trecker one that pulls, from trecken to pull — more at trek
2trigger
verb
: to cause (something, such as an alarm) to start functioning
: to cause (a bomb) to explode
: to cause (something) to start or happen
trig·geredtrig·ger·ing \ˈtri-g(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of TRIGGER
transitive verb
1
a : to release or activate by means of a trigger; especially : to fire by pulling a mechanical trigger <trigger a rifle> b : to cause the explosion of <trigger a missile with a proximity fuse>
2
: to initiate, actuate, or set off by a trigger <an indiscreet remark that triggered a fight> <a stimulus that triggered a reflex>
intransitive verb
: to release a mechanical trigger
See trigger defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TRIGGER
1916
TRIGGER Defined for Kids
trigger
noun trig·ger \ˈtri-gər\
Definition of TRIGGER for Kids
: the part of the lock of a gun that is pressed to release the hammer so that it will fire
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