trigger point

noun

: a localized usually tender or painful area of the body and especially of a muscle that when stimulated gives rise to pain elsewhere in the body

Examples of trigger point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The key, Hendricks says, is to apply pressure to trigger points and knotted muscles while breathing deeply. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025

In that context, and with a Tom Cruise-starring franchise at possible risk (one of Hollywood’s true trigger points), clearly this is no mere airshow for Paramount. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025

Therefore, the trigger points at $20,000 and $40,000 of SALT deductions during the TCJA period are the same. —Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

When a muscle is injured or put under extra stress, myofascial trigger points—basically, irritable spots in the muscle—can form and cause pain. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trigger point

• counterpoint
• disappoint
• multipoint
• needlepoint
• reappoint
• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint

Medical Definition

trigger point

noun

: a localized usually tender or painful area of the body and especially of a muscle that when stimulated gives rise to pain elsewhere in the body

A trigger point in the calf muscle can also cause discomfort or weakness in the heel or arch; a trigger point in the thigh may cause pain around the knee.

—Runner's World

called also trigger area, trigger zone