hair-trigger

adjective

hair-trig·ger | \ ˈher-ˌtri-gər

Definition of hair-trigger

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : immediately responsive to the slightest stimulus a hair-trigger temper

2 : delicately adjusted or easily disrupted

hair trigger

noun

Definition of hair trigger (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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: Noun

In 2001, Emily Shaules was an active, happy 25-year-old lawyer living in Chicago when a casual toss of her hair triggered a sudden, excruciating snap in her neck. — Leslie Goldman, Woman's Day, "More Women Have Fibromyalgia Than Breast Cancer," 10 Sep. 2017 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.