World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesdelicato
Pronunciation / Transliteration: de-li-ca-to
"C'era una tensione delicata tra le due fazioni."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A gun trigger that can be pulled by a very slight pressure.
"He adjusted the hair-trigger of his hunting rifle for maximum precision."
- 1
Highly sensitive or volatile, capable of reacting instantly or dangerously to the smallest stimulus.
"The two nations existed in a state of hair-trigger tension along the disputed border."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the late 18th century from firearms terminology, referring to a secondary trigger designed to release the main sear with extremely slight pressure. The term expanded metaphorically during the 19th century to describe volatile human temperaments and situations prone to instant escalation.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Hair-trigger"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Hair-trigger" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
susceptible
Transliteration: sus-sep-tibl
"La situation géopolitique est dans un état extrêmement susceptible."
Haarfein
Transliteration: haar-fine
Script: haarfein
"Die Situation befand sich in einem haardünnen Gleichgewicht."
delicato
Transliteration: de-li-ca-to
"C'era una tensione delicata tra le due fazioni."
peligro de explosión
Transliteration: pe-li-gro de eks-plo-sjon
"La crisis mantenía a todos en una situación de tensión extrema."
volátil
Transliteration: vo-la-til
"O mercado financeiro estava em uma condição altamente volátil."
अति संवेदनशील
Transliteration: ati samvedansheel
"सीमा पर स्थिति अति संवेदनशील बनी हुई है।"
一触即发
Transliteration: yī chù jí fā
"边境地区的紧张局势一触即发。"
일촉즉발의
Transliteration: il-chok-jeuk-bal-ui
"두 국가 간의 긴장감은 일촉즉발의 상태였다."
一触即発の
Transliteration: isshoku-sokuhatsu no
"その国境地帯は一触即発の緊張状態にある。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Italian termsA barracks or building intended for the accommodation of soldiers, usually located within a fortified place.
A secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Hair-trigger"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.