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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

  • (..) She was beautiful. God, I loved her. I didn't know how to show it, that's all. I killed her, Red. I didn't pull the trigger... ...but I drove her away. That's why she died, because of me... ...the way I am. That don't make you a murderer. Bad husband, maybe. (..)
    1994 The Shawshank Redemption
  • (..) A month in the hole. That's the longest stretch I ever heard of. It's all my fault. Bullshit. You didn't pull the trigger or convict him. Are you saying Andy is innocent? I mean, for real innocent? It looks that way. Sweet Jesus. (..)
    1994 The Shawshank Redemption