I. ˈtri-gər 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 -gərd adjective
II. verb
( trig·gered ; trig·ger·ing ˈtri-g(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 1916
transitive verb
1.
a. : to release or activate by means of a trigger ; especially : to fire by pulling a mechanical trigger
trigger a rifle
b. : to cause the explosion of
trigger a missile with a proximity fuse
2. : to initiate, actuate, or set off by a trigger
an indiscreet remark that trigger ed a fight
a stimulus that trigger ed a reflex
intransitive verb
: to release a mechanical trigger