The meaning of TRIGGER is 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 trigger is something that sets off a flashback, transporting the person back to the traumatic event.

Look up trigger in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

TRIGGER definition: a small projecting tongue in a firearm that, when pressed by the finger, actuates the mechanism that discharges the weapon. See examples of trigger used in a sentence.

To set off; initiate: remarks that triggered bitter debates; allergens that trigger asthma attacks. 2. To fire or explode (a weapon or an explosive charge). [Dutch trekker, from Middle Dutch trecker, from …

If something acts as a trigger for another thing such as an illness, event, or situation, the first thing causes the second thing to begin to happen or exist.

Synonyms for TRIGGER: activate, spark, drive, power, generate, move, start, actuate; Antonyms of TRIGGER: kill, cut, shut off, cut out, stop, turn off, brake, check

trigger noun [C] (CAUSE) an event or situation that makes something else happen:

The National Association for Gun Rights is the ONLY national level organization that has supported us in this fight. Please click here and become a member. Your donations will help us defend our current …

Dec 14, 2025 · Noun [edit] trigger (plural triggers) (firearms) A finger - operated lever used to fire a gun. quotations Just pull the trigger.