hair-trigger

1 of 2

adjective

hair-trig·​ger ˈher-ˌtri-gər 

1

: immediately responsive to the slightest stimulus

a hair-trigger temper

2

: delicately adjusted or easily disrupted

hair trigger

2 of 2

noun

: a gun trigger so adjusted as to permit the firearm to be fired by a very slight pressure

Examples of hair-trigger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

They’re staffed around the clock and kept on hair-trigger alert. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025

The real uncertainties in the bond market are lodged in the larger complexities and flammable preconditions resulting from highly leveraged speculative positions set to unwind on a hair-trigger. —George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

Noun

Wall Street, however, has in many ways moved on from the initial weeks spent on a perpetual hair trigger. —Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 31 July 2025

The general exhaustion consuming investors after months on a hair trigger isn’t an insignificant factor driving that view, according to several market participants, who nonetheless expressed little anxiety about the optimism that has driven stocks to record highs. —Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 8 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hair-trigger

• obligor
• outrigger
• bigger
• digger
• jigger
• rigger
• rigor
• trigger
• vigor
• gravedigger

Kids Definition

hair-trigger

adjective

hair-trig·​ger

-ˌtrig-ər

: immediately responsive : quick entry 1 sense 2c

a hair-trigger temper

Etymology

Adjective

from hair trigger, a trigger adjusted so as to permit a firearm to be fired with very slight pressure