1
a
: a piece (such as a lever) connected with a catch or detent as a means of releasing it
especially
: the part of the action moved by the finger to fire a gun
b
: a similar movable part by which a mechanism is actuated
trigger of a spray gun
2
: something that acts like a mechanical trigger in initiating a process or reaction
triggered; triggering
ˈtri-g(ə-)riŋ
1
a
: to release or activate by means of a trigger
especially
: to fire by pulling a mechanical trigger
trigger a rifle
b
: to cause the explosion of
trigger a missile
2
: to initiate, actuate, or set off by a trigger
an indiscreet remark that triggered a fight
a stimulus that triggered a reflex
3
: to cause an intense and usually negative emotional reaction in (someone)
Water had a way of triggering my brother and making ordinary, everyday weather take a frightening turn for the worse.—Ingrid Law
: to release a mechanical trigger
Cite this Entry
“Trigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trigger. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.
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