trigger Definition
- 1a small device that releases a spring or catch and so sets off a mechanism, especially in order to fire a gun
- 2an event or circumstance that causes something to happen, especially one that is bad or undesirable
Using trigger: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trigger" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He pulled the trigger and the gun went off.
Example
The sound of the alarm was the trigger for panic among the crowd.
Example
The article was the trigger for a heated debate on social media.
Example
Her words were the trigger that caused him to lose his temper.
trigger Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for trigger
Antonyms for trigger
Phrases with trigger
Example
Be careful with that gun, it has a hair trigger.
trigger warning
a statement at the start of a piece of writing, video, etc. alerting the reader or viewer to the fact that it contains potentially distressing material
Example
The movie had a trigger warning for scenes of violence and abuse.
Example
After months of deliberation, he finally decided to pull the trigger and start his own business.
Origins of trigger
from Dutch 'trecker', meaning 'a trigger'
Summary: trigger in Brief
The term 'trigger' [ˈtrɪɡər] refers to a device that sets off a mechanism, such as firing a gun, or an event that causes something to happen, often negative. Examples include 'He pulled the trigger and the gun went off.' and 'The article was the trigger for a heated debate on social media.' Phrases like 'hair trigger' denote a sensitive trigger, while 'pull the trigger' means to make a difficult decision or take action.