Gun Definition
gŭn
gunned, gunning, guns
noun
guns
A weapon consisting of a metal tube from which a projectile is discharged by the force of an explosive.
Webster's New World
A device resembling a firearm or cannon, as in its ability to project something, such as grease or paint, under pressure or at great speed.
American Heritage
Any similar device not discharged by an explosive.
An air gun.
Webster's New World
A discharge of a gun in signaling or saluting.
Webster's New World
Anything like a gun in shape or use.
Webster's New World
verb
gunned, gunning, guns
To shoot (a person) intentionally.
Webster's New World
To shoot or hunt with a gun; go shooting or hunting.
Webster's New World
To advance the throttle of (an engine) so as to increase the speed.
Webster's New World
To speed something up.
He gunned the engine.
Wiktionary
To offer vigorous support to a person or cause.
He’s gunning for you.
Wiktionary
idiom
go great guns
- To proceed or perform with great speed, skill, or success.
American Heritage
hold a gun to (someone's) head
- To put pressure on someone.
American Heritage
under the gun
- Under great pressure or under threat.
American Heritage
give it the gun
- to cause something to start or gain speed
Webster's New World
go great guns
- to act with speed and efficiency
Webster's New World
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Gun
Origin of Gun
-
Middle English Lady Gunilda which was a huge crossbow that used powerful shot. It later became used for firearms like cannons and muskets. The Germanic woman’s name “Gundahild” , cognate to modern Scandinavian Gunhild, means “war" + "battle maid”.
From Wiktionary
-
Middle English gonne cannon short for Gunilda woman's name applied to a siege engine from Old Norse Gunnhildr woman's name gunnr war gwhen- in Indo-European roots hildr war
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
From gunna, from gonna, from going to
From Wiktionary
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