I. ˈtrigə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: trig (III) + -er
1. chiefly dialect : a catch or block to hold the wheel of a carriage on a declivity
2. : a block used in shipbuilding to hold a boat on the ways — compare trigger II 1b
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (probably influenced by trigger ) (I) of earlier tricker, from Dutch trekker, from Middle Dutch trecker something that pulls, from trecken to pull, haul — more at trek
1. : a piece (as a lever) connected with a catch or detent as a means of releasing it: as
a.
(1) : the part of the action of a firearm moved by the finger to release the hammer or firing pin in firing
(2) : a device that fires an explosive
using an A-bomb as trigger for an H-bomb
b. : a lever pivoted on the ground ways with the upper end forced against the sliding ways by a hydraulic ram against the lower end in such a manner that the releasing of the trigger allows a ship to be launched by sliding down the ground ways
2. : something that acts like or is felt to resemble a mechanical trigger especially in being a sensitive means of initiating a process or reaction that produces a relatively large effect ; especially : something (as an external stimulus) that initiates a physiological or pathological process
the odor of food may be a trigger for salivation
3.
[by shortening]
: triggerfish
III. adjective
1. : of, relating to, or associated with a trigger
trigger covers
2. : functioning as or in a manner analogous to a trigger — see trigger mechanism
IV. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1. : to release by pulling a mechanical trigger
trigger a rifle
broadly : to cause the explosion of
trigger a missile with a proximity fuse
2. : to initiate, actuate, or set off especially by means of a comparatively weak impulse
a single neutron may trigger an extensive chain reaction
an indiscreet remark that triggered off a long and costly strike
the complex mechanism that triggers blood clotting
intransitive verb
: to release a mechanical trigger