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trigger

Definition

  • noun: a lever on a gun that you pull to fire the gun
  • noun: a piece (as a lever) connected with a catch or detent as a means of releasing it
  • verb: to cause (something, such as an alarm) to start functioning
  • verb: to release or activate by means of a trigger
  • often + 'for'

Examples

  • Police officers are trained to not be too 'quick on the trigger'. [=eager to fire a gun]

  • The timer was set to 'trigger' the bomb in exactly one hour.

  • The faulty wire was the 'trigger for' the explosion.

Movie quotes

  • (..) -We're looking for fuel. LEN: The dark season's coming. We only got enough for ourselves. You point that gun at somebody, you better be ready to pull the trigger. VIRGINIA: Put your guns down, everyone. Look, we just came to find the Resistance, that's all. LEN: (..)
    2009 Terminator Salvation
  • (..) You're obviously not a Resistance fighter, so take it off. Take it off! You point a gun at someone... ...you'd better be ready to pull the trigger. Now, I'm gonna ask you one more time. -What the hell was that thing? -Terminator. T-. (..)
    2009 Terminator Salvation