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

  • (..) Take away a man's son, you've truly given him nothing left to lose. - I haven't cried like that since Titanic. A hint? Why don't you exhale slowly, then squeeze the trigger. - Don't make me drink alone. - Okay. -It , "Gor Gorgeous" - I never took French. Gorgeus day what the hell? (..)
    2009 Zombieland
  • (..) did what you thought was right. But Elizabeth's gone. Alexander Kirk took her away from us, and she's not coming back. Raymond. Take your hands off that trigger. What do you think's going to happen if you stop me, Donald? That you'll arrest Kirk? That justice will be done? Let go of the weapon. (..)
    2016 TvShow: The Blacklist Title: Alexander Kirk (No. 14): Conclusion Season: 3 Episode 23
  • (..) I believe... That's what I'm afraid of. and that's what my presidency would be about. Listen to me. If he pulls that trigger, this building's surrounded in seconds. Not minutes... seconds. There's no getting out. Yes, I know. If Liz were here, she'd (..)
    2016 TvShow: The Blacklist Title: Alexander Kirk (No. 14): Conclusion Season: 3 Episode 23