trigger

1 of 2

noun

trig·​ger ˈtri-gər 

1

a

: a piece (such 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

2 of 2

verb

triggered; triggering ˈtri-g(ə-)riŋ 

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

3

: to cause an intense and usually negative emotional reaction in (someone)

Water had a way of triggering my brother and making ordinary, everyday weather take a frightening turn for the worse.

—Ingrid Law

intransitive verb

: to release a mechanical trigger

Synonyms

Verb

• activate
• actuate
• crank (up)
• drive
• move
• run
• set off
• spark
• start
• touch off
• turn on

Examples of trigger in a Sentence

Verb

Smoke triggered the fire alarm.

The timer was set to trigger the bomb in exactly one hour.

His remarks triggered a public outcry.

Certain foods trigger his headaches.

The power outage was triggered by heavy rains.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Meanwhile, the city has also brought a lawsuit against global gun manufacturer Glock, alleging the company has violated Illinois consumer protection law by allowing its pistols to be easily converted into automatic weapons capable of firing scores of bullets with a single trigger pull. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

Findings in brain science suggest that social exclusion triggers responses akin to physical pain. —Aniela Unguresan, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Verb

Tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum last week triggered retaliatory tariffs from Canada and the European Union, adding to countermeasures already initiated by China. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2025

This seemed to trigger Kanye, who dropped Bully in the middle of an X rant about Carti, with Kanye also claiming Carti snubbed him on Music. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of earlier tricker, from Dutch trekker, from Middle Dutch trecker one that pulls, from trecken to pull — more at trek

First Known Use

Noun

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing trigger

• hair trigger
• pull the trigger
• quick on the trigger
• trigger ban
• trigger-happy
• trigger law
• trigger point

Rhymes for trigger

• bigger
• digger
• jigger
• rigger
• rigor
• vigor
• gravedigger
• obligor
• outrigger

Kids Definition

trigger

1 of 2 noun

trig·​ger ˈtrig-ər 

1

: a movable lever that activates a device when it is squeezed

especially : the part of the lock of a firearm that releases the hammer and so fires the gun

2

: something that causes something else to happen

trigger adjective

triggered

-ərd 

adjective

trigger

2 of 2 verb

triggered; triggering -(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to fire by pulling a trigger

2

: to begin, stir up, or set in motion as if by pulling a trigger

the remark that triggered the laughter