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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

  • (..) - It's us. - Jesus. It isn't a lockdown, is it? Or a riot? No. Hal, for God's sakes, just take your finger off the trigger. Are you hostages? Who's out there? - Who's by that truck? - Harry, the lights! John Coffey. (..)
    1999 The Green Mile