Definitions for trigger

• Definition
• Anagrams (73)

trigger trig·ger

Spelling: [trig-er]

IPA: /ˈtrɪg ər/

Trigger is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 9 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 11 points.

You can make 73 anagrams from letters in trigger (eggirrt).

Definitions for trigger

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 detent 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. Slang. triggerman.

Idioms

1. quick on the trigger, Informal. quick to act or respond; impetuous; alert.

verb (used with object)

1. to initiate or precipitate (a chain of events, scientific reaction, psychological process, etc.):
2. to fire or explode (a gun, missile, etc.) by pulling a trigger or releasing a triggering device:

verb (used without object)

1. to release a trigger.
2. to become active; activate.

Origin of trigger

1615-25; earlier tricker Dutch trekker, equivalent to trekk(en) to pull + -er -er¹

Examples for trigger

Put up your sword, for the trigger falls easy, and my finger is a twitching.'

But he did not shoot, though one could see how his fingers must itch for the feel of the trigger.

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

He pressed the trigger at just the right time as the buck was rising in the air.

He had missed, and when the sergeant was ready to pull the trigger also Slade was gone.

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

But this Pavlovian trigger cannot be effective indefinitely.

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

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

Had his fist in my face before I could get my finger on the trigger.