Gun
/ɡʌn/
Definitions
3 meaningsA weapon designed to discharge projectiles, or a similar device.
/ɡʌn/
A weapon that fires projectiles
The police officer carried a gun for protection.
💡 Simply: A gun is like a toy that shoots something out, like a bullet or a beanbag. It’s usually used to protect yourself or for sport.
👶 For kids: A gun is a tool that shoots things, like bullets or paintballs.
More Examples
The hunters used guns to shoot game.
The starting gun signaled the beginning of the race.
How It's Used
"The soldiers were armed with guns."
"A starter's gun fired to begin the race."
"He used a nail gun to attach the planks."
To shoot or kill someone with a gun.
/ɡʌn/
To shoot with a gun
The gang member was accused of gunning down his rival.
💡 Simply: When you *gun* someone down, it means you shoot and kill them with a gun, which is really serious. It's like using a weapon to do harm.
👶 For kids: When you gun something, it means to shoot it with a gun.
More Examples
The police gunned the car for evidence.
How It's Used
"The suspect gunned down the victim."
"The photographers gunned their cameras at the celebrity."
To rapidly increase the speed or power of an engine or motor.
/ɡʌn/
To accelerate or rev an engine
He gunned the engine of his motorcycle and took off.
💡 Simply: When you *gun* the engine in your car, it means you press the gas pedal hard to make the engine speed up fast, like when you are trying to catch up with someone.
👶 For kids: To gun means to make something go faster really quick, like a car's engine.
More Examples
The driver gunned the accelerator to pass the truck.
How It's Used
"He gunned the engine and sped away."
"She gunned the car to catch up with the traffic."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
stick to your guns
To maintain your position or opinion, especially when challenged.
"Despite the criticism, she decided to stick to her guns and continue with her plan."
jump the gun
To do something too soon or prematurely.
"They jumped the gun and announced the merger before the contracts were signed."
From Middle English *gunne*, probably a shortening of a woman's name, perhaps Gunhild, used as a siege engine (weapon).
Historically, 'gun' was used to describe siege weapons before being applied to handheld firearms.
Memory tip
Think of a *gun* as something that shoots things.
Word Origin
"A siege engine, a weapon"