Cannoned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cannoned

[หˆkรฆn.ษ™nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past participle

The term 'cannoned' refers to the past participle form of the verb 'cannon', which typically describes something that has been shot from a cannon or metaphorically refers to a situation where someone has been overwhelmed or attacked by an abundance of something. In a more informal context, it can also describe being intoxicated.

Synonyms

attacked, bombarded, drunk, overwhelmed.

Examples of usage

  • The fort was cannoneered during the battle.
  • He felt canoned after the wild party last night.
  • The ship was canonned, taking heavy fire from the coastline.
  • She was canoned with gifts on her birthday.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • Cannons played a pivotal role in warfare from the 14th century to the 19th century, changing the dynamics of battles.
  • The invention of bronze cannons in the 15th century significantly increased range and accuracy, influencing military strategies.
  • The phrase 'cannon fodder' emerged during wars, referring to soldiers who were heavily exposed to danger, likened to targets for cannons.

Pop Culture

  • In action movies and video games, 'cannoned' often describes heroics where characters escape or are propelled away from explosions or cannon fire.
  • The term is often used metaphorically in sports, indicating a player striking the ball with great power, similar to a cannon firing.
  • The concept has been illustrated in cartoons, where characters comically find themselves being shot out of cannons as a form of entertainment.

Physics

  • The force behind cannon fire involves Newton's laws of motion, particularly the action-reaction principle.
  • When a cannonball is fired, potential energy from the gunpowder ignites, transforming into kinetic energy and propelling the ball forward.
  • The trajectory of a cannonball's flight involves principles of physics, including gravity and aerodynamics, affecting how far and fast it travels.

Art and Literature

  • Cannons are often depicted in classic literature, symbolizing power, destruction, and the advancement of technology in society.
  • Artists from the Romantic era frequently portrayed battles with cannons, capturing the tumult of warfare and its impact on humanity.
  • In modern storytelling, the use of cannons can represent conflict or the climax of a narrative, where tension builds until a decisive moment.

Origin of 'cannoned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'cannon,' which originates from the Middle French word 'canon,' meaning a tube or pipe.
  • In the 16th century, the term began to be associated with artillery, specifically large guns designed to fire projectiles.
  • Over time, 'cannon' evolved to describe not just the weapon itself, but also the action of firing it.

The word 'cannon' originates from the Middle Ages, deriving from the Latin word 'canna', meaning 'tube' or 'pipe'. This relates to the cannon's barrel-like structure through which projectiles are fired. The use of cannons became prominent in warfare during the 14th and 15th centuries, where they played a crucial role in sieges and battlefield tactics. Over time, the term 'cannoned' evolved to describe the action of being struck or affected as though by a cannon. In modern usage, it has also taken on slang meanings, often associated with excessive drinking or being overwhelmed by experiences. The evolution of this word reflects both the literal impact of cannonfire in history and the metaphorical weight of experiences in contemporary language.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,804, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.