trigger

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To cause something to happen or start, often suddenly.

   The controversial article triggered a flood of angry letters.

2. 2
   noun

   Something that causes an event or reaction to begin.

   Sleeping in an unfamiliar room can be a trigger for sleepwalking.

3. 3
   noun

   The small lever you pull with your finger to fire a gun.

   He hesitated before pulling the trigger.

4. 4
   verb

   To cause a strong, usually negative, emotional reaction in someone.

   The film may trigger painful memories for some viewers.

Originally tricker, from Dutch trekker (“pull”, noun, as in drawer-pull, bell-pull), from Dutch trekken (“to drag, draw, pull”).

Topics