trig·ger  (trĭg ər)
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n. 1. a. The lever pressed by the finger to discharge a firearm. b. A similar device used to release or activate a mechanism. 2. Something that precipitates a particular event or situation. 3. Something that induces intense emotional distress, especially by evoking memories of past trauma. 4. Electronics A pulse or circuit that initiates the action of another component. tr.v. trig·gered, trig·ger·ing, trig·gers 1. To set off; initiate: remarks that triggered bitter debates; allergens that trigger asthma attacks. 2. a. To induce (a powerful emotional reaction): a situation that triggered a panic attack in the patient. b. To induce a powerful emotional reaction in, especially by evoking memories of past trauma: avoided watching films that might trigger him. 3. To fire or explode (a weapon or an explosive charge).
[Dutch trekker, from Middle Dutch trecker, from trecken, to pull.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices
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