Trigger

/ˈtɹɪɡəː/ · noun

Meaning

(firearms) A finger-operated lever used to fire a gun..

Definitions by Sense

1. (firearms) A finger-operated lever used to fire a gun.
2. A similar device used to activate any mechanism.
3. An event that initiates others, or incites a response.
4. A concept or image that upsets somebody by sparking a negative emotional response.
5. (psychology) An event, experience or other stimulus that initiates a traumatic memory or a strong reaction in a person.
6. (music) An electronic transducer allowing a drum, cymbal, etc. to control an electronic drum unit or similar device.
7. (music) A device that manually lengthens (or sometimes shortens) the slide or tubing of a brass instrument, allowing the pitch range to be altered while playing.
8. (electronics) A pulse in an electronic circuit that initiates some component.

Example Sentences

Just pull the trigger.

[W]e pull'd aſide the Tricker, and obſerv'd, that according to our expectation the force of the Spring of the Lock vvas not ſenſibly abated by the abſence of the Air.

Sleeping in an unfamiliar room can be a trigger for sleepwalking.

emotional trigger

I can't watch that violent film. Blood is one of my triggers.

A U235 bomb would therefore need to incorporate a gun weighing ten tons. Then there was the question of initiating or triggering the bomb.

The controversial article triggered a deluge of angry letters from readers.

The accident followed torrential early morning rain that triggered widespread flooding across Scotland's tracks, including south of Carmont.

Synonyms for trigger

Antonyms for trigger

Related Words

Word Forms

• triggers
• tricker
• triggering
• triggered

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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