ˈtrɪɡə n. & v. --n. 1 a
movable device for releasing a
spring or
catch and so
setting off a
mechanism (esp.
that of a gun). 2 an
event,
occurrence,
etc., that sets off a
chain reaction. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by off) set (an
action or process) in
motion;
initiate,
precipitate. 2
fire (a gun) by
the use of a trigger. øquick on the trigger
quick to
respond. trigger fish
any usu.
tropical marine fish of the
family Balistidae
with a
first dorsal fin-spine
which can be depressed by
pressing on the second. trigger-happy
apt to
shoot without or with
slight provocation. øøtriggered adj. [17th-c. tricker f. Du. trekker f. trekken
pull:
cf. TREK]