Trigger (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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. 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.
Idioms
  1. quick to act or respond; impetuous; alert.
noun
  1. a small projecting lever that activates the firing mechanism of a firearm
  2. a device that releases a spring-loaded mechanism or a similar arrangement
  3. any event that sets a course of action in motion
verb (tr)
  1. to give rise (to); set off
  2. to fire or set in motion by or as by pulling a trigger
Trigger (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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