gun Hear it!

gun definition

gun (gun)

noun

  1. a weapon consisting of a metal tube from which a projectile is discharged by the force of an explosive; specif.,
    1. technically, a heavy weapon with a relatively long barrel fixed in a mount, as a cannon or machine gun
    2. a rifle
    3. ☆ popularly a pistol or revolver
  2. any similar device not discharged by an explosive an air gun
  3. a discharge of a gun in signaling or saluting
  4. anything like a gun in shape or use
  5. ☆ Slang gunman (sense )
  6. Slang the throttle of an engine

Etymology: ME gunne, gonne, contr. < gonnilde, a 14th-c. cannon < ON Gunnhildr, fem. name (< gunnr, older form of guthr, war + hildr, battle)

intransitive verb gunned, gunning gun′·ning

to shoot or hunt with a gun; go shooting or hunting

transitive verb

  1. ☆ Informal to shoot (a person) intentionally: with down
  2. Slang to advance the throttle of (an engine) so as to increase the speed
gun Idioms

big gun

Slang
  1. an important and influential person
  2. a high-ranking military officer

give it the gun

☆

Etymology: from the resemblance of early airplane accelerators to the trigger of a gun

Slang to cause something to start or gain speed

go great guns

Slang to act with speed and efficiency

gun for

☆
  1. to hunt for with a gun
  2. to look for in order to shoot or harm
  3. Slang to try to get; seek

jump the gun

Informal
  1. to begin a race before the signal has been given
  2. to begin anything before the proper time

spike someone's guns

to frustrate or defeat someone

stick to one's guns

Informal to hold one's position under attack; not withdraw or retreat; be firm

under the gun

Informal in a tense, demanding situation or threatened state, often one involving a deadline

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook