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hair-trigger

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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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

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Recent Examples of hair trigger from the Web

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

in the meaning defined above

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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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