trigger

¹trig·ger

noun \ˈtri-gər\

Definition of TRIGGER

1

a : a piece (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 adjective

— trig·gered \-gərd\ adjective

Origin of TRIGGER

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

First Known Use: 1621

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

Rhymes with TRIGGER

chigger, digger, jigger, rigger, rigor, snigger, swigger, vigor