- trigger (n.)
- "device by means of which a catch or spring is released and a mechanism set in action," 1650s, earlier tricker (1620s), from Dutch trekker "trigger," from trekken "to pull" (see trek). Tricker was the usual form in English until c. 1750. Trigger-happy is attested from 1942.
- trigger (v.)
- 1930, from trigger (n.). Related: Triggered; triggering.
