Trigger-happy

Alternative forms

• trigger happy

Full definition of trigger-happy

Adjective

1. (idiomatic) Having a tendency or desire to shoot a firearm irresponsibly before adequately identifying the target.The bystanders were indiscriminately gunned down by trigger-happy gang members.
2. (idiomatic) Inclined to behave recklessly, especially with machinery.Be careful when you work near him; he's trigger-happy with that chain-saw.
3. (idiomatic) Inclined to react excessively or violently at the slightest provocation.He was so trigger-happy that he wheeled and punched me when I brushed by him in the hall.