trigger-happy
adjective
trig·ger-hap·py
ˈtri-gər-ˌha-pē 
1
: irresponsible in the use of firearms
especially
: inclined to shoot before clearly identifying the target
2
a
: inclined to be irresponsible in matters that might precipitate war
b
: aggressively belligerent in attitude
Examples of trigger-happy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When Orsolya knocks on the man’s door with an army of trigger-happy policemen at her back, the bailiff — in her infinite mercy — agrees to give the guy some time to collect his belongings.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2025
Rifle Club is a trigger-happy world where violence is almost poetically portrayed.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The trigger-happy tradition to shoot guns in the air at midnight on New Years Eve has gone on for decades.
—Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press, 27 Dec. 2024
With concern solidifying around Mexico’s role as a pipeline for Chinese products, the president-elect may have another reason to adopt a trigger-happy stance on duties—and a review of USMCA.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
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David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2025
Rifle Club is a trigger-happy world where violence is almost poetically portrayed.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The trigger-happy tradition to shoot guns in the air at midnight on New Years Eve has gone on for decades.
—Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press, 27 Dec. 2024
With concern solidifying around Mexico’s role as a pipeline for Chinese products, the president-elect may have another reason to adopt a trigger-happy stance on duties—and a review of USMCA.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for trigger-happy
Dictionary Entries Near trigger-happy
Cite this Entry
“Trigger-happy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trigger-happy. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
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