ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Trigger

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈtɹɪɡəː/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Trigger is a noun meaning (firearms) A finger-operated lever used to fire a gun.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

  1. A similar device used to activate any mechanism.
  2. An event that initiates others, or incites a response.
  3. A concept or image that upsets somebody by sparking a negative emotional response.
  4. (psychology) An event, experience or other stimulus that initiates a traumatic memory or a strong reaction in a person.
  5. (music) An electronic transducer allowing a drum, cymbal, etc. to control an electronic drum unit or similar device.
  6. (electronics) A pulse in an electronic circuit that initiates some component.
  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.

Example Sentences

emotional trigger
Just pull the trigger.
I can't watch that violent film. Blood is one of my triggers.
Sleeping in an unfamiliar room can be a trigger for sleepwalking.

Word Forms

Synonyms for trigger

Depending on context, synonyms include activate, detonate, fire, set off, precipitate, cause.

Antonyms for trigger

Common opposites include glimmer.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include spark, trip, set off, actuate, activate, initiation.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.