gun
gun
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "gun" is /ɡʌn/.
gun: /ɡʌn/
Word Form Variations
Noun: gun (singular), guns (plural)
Verb: gun (base form), guns (third person singular present), gunned (past tense, past participle), gunning (present participle)
Adjective: (No direct adjective form; 'gun-related' or 'gun-wielding' are compound adjectives)
Adverb: (No direct adverb form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Gun
A weapon that fires projectiles, typically bullets, shells, or other ammunition, from a barrel.
Synonyms: firearm, pistol, rifle, shotgun, cannon (larger)
Antonyms: knife (melee weapon), shield (defensive item), unarmed (state)
A device that propels something, such as a spray gun for paint or a staple gun for fasteners.
Synonyms: sprayer, dispenser, launcher, applicator
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a type of tool)
(Slang) A powerful or aggressive person, often implying a readiness for conflict.
Synonyms: tough guy, hotshot, hard-hitter, enforcer
Antonyms: pushover, pacifist, softy
(Informal) A powerful or fast engine, especially in a vehicle.
Synonyms: engine, motor, power plant
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a component)
Verb
Gun
To shoot a person or animal with a gun.
Synonyms: shoot, fire at, open fire on, attack
Antonyms: disarm, spare, protect
(Informal) To accelerate an engine or vehicle rapidly.
Synonyms: accelerate, rev, speed up, floor it (informal)
Antonyms: decelerate, slow down, brake
(Informal, "gun for") To pursue or aim for (someone or something) aggressively.
Synonyms: aim for, pursue, target, hunt for, seek aggressively
Antonyms: avoid, shun, ignore, evade
Examples of Use
Books
Fiction (Crime/Thriller): Novels often feature characters using or being threatened with a "gun." "He drew his gun and aimed at the assailant."
Non-fiction (History/Military): Books on warfare detail different types of "guns" (e.g., artillery guns, machine guns) and their impact. The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman examines the opening days of World War I, focusing on the military strategies and weaponry (Presidio Press, January 2004).
DIY/Manuals: Instructions for tools might refer to a staple "gun" or caulk "gun."
Newspapers
News Articles (Crime/Politics): Journalists frequently report on "gun violence," "gun control debates," or police finding a "gun" at a crime scene. A headline might read, "Gun Control Legislation Divides Lawmakers" (The New York Times, June 2025).
Sports Sections: Articles might cover shooting sports where competitors use various types of "guns."
International News: Reports on conflicts often mention the use of heavy artillery "guns."
Online Publications
News Websites: Online news portals provide constant updates on gun-related incidents, policy debates, and statistics. "New data reveals rise in illegal gun trade."
Sports/Hunting Blogs: Many blogs cater to enthusiasts, reviewing different types of "guns" or discussing hunting practices. "Choosing the right hunting gun for deer season."
Social Media: Discussions around "gun rights" or "gun violence" are prevalent. Users might share videos of shooting range practice or humorous clips of people "gunning" an engine.
E-commerce: Retailers sell airsoft guns, toy guns, or accessories for real firearms (where legal).
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows (Action/Western/Crime): Characters frequently wield or fire "guns." Dialogue might include phrases like, "Put the gun down!" or "He died by the gun."
Video Games: Many popular video games, particularly first-person shooters, revolve around using various types of "guns." Players collect, upgrade, and fire different "guns."
Music: Song lyrics often reference "guns" in themes of conflict, power, or rebellion. "I'm a loaded gun."
Podcasts: True-crime podcasts might discuss the type of "gun used in a crime." Debates on social issues might include discussions on gun ownership.
Commercials: Advertisements for cars might show a driver "gunning the engine" for acceleration.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly ask, "Did you hear a gunshot?" or "Do you own a gun?" "He put the gun on the table." "He's gunning for a promotion."
Safety Discussions: Conversations about safety often involve discussions about "gun safety" or avoiding areas with high "gun crime."
Automotive: Drivers discuss "gunning the engine" to get more power.
Figurative Use: "Smoking gun" (conclusive evidence) or "jump the gun" (to start too early) are common. "The email was the smoking gun in the investigation."
10 Quotes Using Gun
"From my cold, dead hands." (Charlton Heston)
"The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." (Wayne LaPierre)
"You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone." (Al Capone)
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
"An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with a gun." (Robert A. Heinlein)
"You're gonna need a bigger gun." (Common movie line adaptation, Jaws)
"He pulled the trigger, but the gun was empty, leaving only silence."
"The smoking gun of irrefutable evidence finally appeared, proving guilt."
"Sometimes, the most effective approach is to simply 'run and gun' through obstacles."
"A truly powerful argument, based on truth, is ultimately stronger than any physical gun."
Etymology
The word "gun" is a bit of a mystery, but its most likely origin is from a Middle English word "gonne."
This "gonne" might have been a shortened form of a woman's name, "Gunhild," which was a common name for cannons in the Middle Ages! Imagine a very large, powerful cannon being affectionately or fearfully named after a strong woman.
The first known use of "gun" in English, with the meaning of "a cannon or a firearm," dates back to the early 14th century. It appeared in texts referring to early gunpowder weapons, directly linking to its probable origin as a nickname for these powerful new tools of war.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Gun
Smoking gun: Conclusive evidence of a crime or wrongdoing. "The leaked emails were the smoking gun in the corruption investigation."
Jump the gun: To start something too soon or prematurely. "Don't jump the gun; wait for the official announcement."
Son of a gun: A familiar and sometimes affectionate or exasperated address to a man. "Well, I'll be a son of a gun! Look who it is!"
Big gun: An important or influential person. "They brought in the big guns to close the deal."
Stick to one's guns: To refuse to compromise or change one's opinion or position. "Despite the criticism, he stuck to his guns."
Under the gun: Under intense pressure or scrutiny. "The team is under the gun to finish the project by Friday."
Hold a gun to someone's head: To force someone to do something by threatening them. "He felt like they were holding a gun to his head to sign the contract."
Give it the gas/gun: To accelerate or apply full power to an engine. "The race car driver really gave it the gun on the final lap."
Gun for: To aggressively pursue or aim for something or someone. "He's been gunning for that promotion all year."
Loose cannon: A person who is unpredictable and likely to cause damage or harm. "The new manager is a bit of a loose cannon."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of gun from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
