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

  • (..) His blood runs in my veins. He's the spitting image of old Bootstrap Bill come back to haunt us. On my word, do as I say, or I'll pull this trigger and be lost to Davy Jones' locker. Name your terms, Mr.Turner. Elizabeth goes free. Yes, we know that one. (..)
    2003 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl