trigger finger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (medical), Informal (metaphorical)
Quick answer
What does “trigger finger” mean?
A medical condition causing pain, stiffness, or locking of a finger, typically the thumb, ring, or middle finger, when bending or straightening.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition causing pain, stiffness, or locking of a finger, typically the thumb, ring, or middle finger, when bending or straightening.
A term for a person's index finger or a finger positioned to fire a weapon; also used metaphorically for someone eager or ready to take action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in medical definition. Metaphorical use ('he has a trigger finger') may be slightly more common in American English.
Connotations
Medical context is neutral. Metaphorical use often implies impulsiveness or quickness to react, sometimes negatively.
Frequency
Medical term is equally common in both varieties. The metaphorical phrase 'quick on the trigger' is AmE; BrE might prefer 'quick off the mark'.
Grammar
How to Use “trigger finger” in a Sentence
Patient has trigger finger.The condition affected his trigger finger.She developed trigger finger after repetitive work.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trigger finger” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tendon can trigger finger locking.
American English
- The condition triggers the finger to lock.
adjective
British English
- He has a trigger-finger issue.
American English
- She underwent trigger-finger release surgery.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in workplace health contexts (e.g., 'Repetitive strain can lead to conditions like trigger finger.').
Academic
Used in medical, physiotherapy, and occupational health literature.
Everyday
Common when discussing health issues; metaphorical use understood.
Technical
Precise medical term for a finger locking in a bent position due to inflamed tendon sheath.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trigger finger”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trigger finger”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trigger finger”
- Using 'trigger finger' to mean any sore finger. Confusing it with 'trigger thumb' (same condition, different digit).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not life-threatening but can be painful and limit hand function. It is often treatable.
Mild cases sometimes improve with rest, but many require medical intervention like splinting, injections, or surgery.
People with repetitive hand movements, certain medical conditions (like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis), and individuals aged 40-60.
It's an idiom describing someone who is overly eager or quick to take aggressive action, originally referring to shooting.
A medical condition causing pain, stiffness, or locking of a finger, typically the thumb, ring, or middle finger, when bending or straightening.
Trigger finger is usually formal (medical), informal (metaphorical) in register.
Trigger finger: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtrɪɡ.ə ˈfɪŋ.ɡər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtrɪɡ.ɚ ˈfɪŋ.ɡɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “itchy trigger finger (eagerness to act, especially to shoot)”
- “quick on the trigger”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a finger that 'triggers' or snaps like a gun trigger when you try to move it.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE (a malfunctioning part); READINESS TO ACT IS A FINGER ON THE TRIGGER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of trigger finger?