n.
Pronunciation: ' tri-g ə r
Function: noun
Etymology: alteration of earlier tricker, from Dutch trekker, from Middle Dutch trecker one that pulls, from trecken to pull ― more at TREK
Date: 1621
1 a : a piece (as a lever) connected with a catch or detent as a means of releasing it especially : the part of the action moved by the finger to fire a gun b : a similar movable part by which a mechanism is actuated < trigger of a spray gun>
2 : something that acts like a mechanical trigger in initiating a process or reaction
– trigger adjective
– trig · gered \ -g ə rd \ adjective