trigger
A finger-operated lever used to fire a gun.
Noun 4 meanings
A finger-operated lever used to fire a gun.
“Just pull the trigger.”
A similar device used to activate any mechanism.
An event that initiates others, or incites a response.
“Sleeping in an unfamiliar room can be a trigger for sleepwalking.”
A concept or image that upsets somebody by sparking a negative emotional response.
“emotional trigger”
Verb 4 meanings
To fire (a weapon); to set off or trip (a mechanism or function of a device).
To cause, to precipitate, to bring (something) about in response or as a result.
“The controversial article triggered a deluge of angry letters from readers.”
To spark a response, especially a negative emotional response, in (a person).
To activate; to become active.
Etymology
Originally tricker, from Dutch trekker (“pull”, noun, as in drawer-pull, bell-pull), from Dutch trekken (“to drag, draw, pull”).
Similar and opposite words
TRIGGER at a glance
TRIGGER has 7 letters and scores 9 points in Scrabble (T 1 + R 1 + I 1 + G 2 + G 2 + E 1 + R 1) and 11 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #4,637 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with trigger
All rhymesOne letter away
- TRIGGED10
- FRIGGER12
- PRIGGER11
- TWIGGER12
- THIGGER12
Keep going
Related lists
Looking for a different word?
Type the letters you have and the Finder shows every word that fits.