hair-trigger

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

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of hair-trigger

1 : immediately responsive to the slightest stimulus

a hair-trigger temper

2 : delicately adjusted or easily disrupted

See hair-trigger defined for English-language learners

See hair-trigger defined for kids

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

Recent Examples of hair trigger from the Web

The demon core, destined for use in a weapon of mass destruction, was designed to have a hair trigger.

— julian g. west, The Atlantic, "The Atomic-Bomb Core That Escaped World War II," 2 Apr. 2018
The accelerator's hair trigger delivered more responsiveness for quicker pep off the line, and the ride felt much firmer — even choppy at times.

— jennifer geiger, USA TODAY, "Review: Audi's SQ5 blazes new SUV trails," 23 Feb. 2018
Since Lynx, my 4-year-old daughter, dragged a bundle of harnesses into the yard, our sled dogs — which have a hair trigger that goes off at the first sight of any mushing gear — had been in a literal frenzy.

— joseph robertia, Anchorage Daily News, "Frenzied sled dogs, an eager 4-year-old, and an Alaska rite of passage," 1 Feb. 2018
Dynamics were modulated as if on a hair trigger, whether thanks to the preparation of the choir’s director, Joe Miller, or to the ministrations of this year’s early-music import, the British maestro Andrew Manze.

— james r. oestreich, New York Times, "Review: Philharmonic Replies to $50 Million With ‘Hallelujah’," 13 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hair trigger.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of hair trigger

1802

HAIR-TRIGGER Defined for English Language Learners

hair-trigger

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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hair-trigger

Definition of hair-trigger

First Known Use of hair-trigger

hair trigger

Definition of hair trigger

Recent Examples of hair trigger from the Web

First Known Use of hair trigger

HAIR-TRIGGER Defined for English Language Learners

hair-trigger

Definition of hair-trigger for English Language Learners

hair trigger

Definition of hair trigger for English Language Learners

Seen and Heard

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hair-trigger

Definition of hair-trigger

First Known Use of hair-trigger

hair trigger

Definition of hair trigger

Recent Examples of hair trigger from the Web

First Known Use of hair trigger

HAIR-TRIGGER Defined for English Language Learners

hair-trigger

Definition of hair-trigger for English Language Learners

hair trigger

Definition of hair trigger for English Language Learners

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