a small device that releases a spring or catch and so sets off a mechanism, especially in order to fire a gun, an event or circumstance that causes something to happen, especially one that is bad or undesirable

hair trigger, trigger warning, pull the trigger

Formal and Informal Expressions of trigger

In different contexts, you can replace 'trigger' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'stimulus, catalyst' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'cause, instigator' is a commonplace synonym.

trigger: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

hair trigger
a trigger of a firearm that responds to very slight pressure
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.
pull the trigger
to make a decision or take action, especially one that is difficult or risky
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'

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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.