trigger:1

noun
trig*ger \ ˈtri-gər \
1621{ds||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
  • a similar movable part by which a mechanism is actuated
  • something that acts like a mechanical trigger in initiating a process or reaction

trigger:2

verb
trigger \
1902{ds|t|1|a|}
  • to release or activate by means of a trigger; especially : to fire by pulling a mechanical trigger
  • to cause the explosion of
  • to initiate, actuate, or set off by a trigger

trig:2

adjective
trig \
1513{ds||1||}
  • stylishly or jauntily trim
  • extremely precise : prim
  • firm, vigorous

trigger-happy

adjective
trig*ger-hap*py \ ˈtri-gər-ˌha-pē \
1943{ds||1||}
  • irresponsible in the use of firearms; especially : inclined to shoot before clearly identifying the target
  • inclined to be irresponsible in matters that might precipitate war
  • aggressively belligerent in attitude

trigger law

noun
trigger law \
1983
  • a currently unenforceable law that upon the occurrence of an event (such as a court decision) becomes enforceable

trigger point

noun
trigger point \
circa 1891
  • a localized usually tender or painful area of the body and especially of a muscle that when stimulated gives rise to pain elsewhere in the body

hair-trigger

adjective
hair-trig*ger \ ˈher-ˌtri-gər \
1834{ds||1||}
  • immediately responsive to the slightest stimulus
  • delicately adjusted or easily disrupted

hair trigger

noun
hair trigger \
1802
  • a gun trigger so adjusted as to permit the firearm to be fired by a very slight pressure

quick on the trigger

idiom
quick on the trigger \
  • eager to fire a gun

pull:1

verb
pull \ ˈpu̇l \ ˈpəl \
before 12th century{ds|t|1|a|}
  • to exert force upon so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the force
  • to stretch (cooling candy) repeatedly
  • to strain abnormally
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