trigger-happy

adjective

trig·​ger-hap·​py ˈtri-gər-ˌha-pē 

1

: irresponsible in the use of firearms

especially : inclined to shoot before clearly identifying the target

2

a

: inclined to be irresponsible in matters that might precipitate war

b

: aggressively belligerent in attitude

Examples of trigger-happy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But one member of the team, a trigger-happy meathead, reacts out of fear and mistrust, slamming the door shut on the water column. — Jenny Odell, Longreads, 2 June 2026

The Iranian government has long maintained a rather trigger-happy approach to censorship, to put it mildly. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026

We should be asked how our youth retain the impulse to be free when trigger-happy Israeli soldiers and snipers are ordered to kill unarmed children demanding their human rights. — Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026

Torched by the Warriors from 3-point range last Sunday, Denver limited the trigger-happy Celtics to a 12-for-43 clip downtown. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trigger-happy

• chappie
• happy
• nappy
• pappy
• sappy
• scrappy
• snappy
• unhappy