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

If India does pull the trigger, a Pakistani response is all but assured. —Michael Kugelman, Time, 3 May 2025

But this time, numerous unconfirmed reports say she’s officially pulled the trigger, turning her long-running love affair with the British capital into something a little more permanent. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 May 2025

Verb

The move upended global trade and triggered retaliation from Beijing. —Helen Reid, USA Today, 4 May 2025

Vaccines, a polarizing issue for many Americans, will trigger more alarms in the near future with a new requirement for their future development and distribution. —Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 3 May 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