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hair-trigger

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adjective hair-trig·ger \ ˈher-ˌtri-gər \

Definition of hair-trigger

1 :immediately responsive to the slightest stimulus
  • a hair-trigger temper
2 :delicately adjusted or easily disrupted

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First Known Use of hair-trigger

1834

hair trigger

noun

Definition of hair trigger

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

See hair trigger defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of hair trigger

1802

HAIR-TRIGGER Defined for English Language Learners

hair-trigger

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adjective

Definition of hair-trigger for English Language Learners

  • : becoming angry very easily

hair trigger

noun

Definition of hair trigger for English Language Learners

  • : a trigger on a gun that needs very little pressure to cause the gun to shoot

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