Downrange Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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downrange

[หˆdaสŠnreษชndส’ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

military context

Downrange refers to the area beyond the firing line or designated shooting range. It is often used in military or shooting sports to indicate the direction in which projectiles travel after being fired.

Synonyms

beyond the range, forward, outward.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers advanced downrange to assess the impact area.
  • Ensure that no one is in the downrange zone during live fire exercises.
  • We need to check the targets set downrange.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Military Terminology

  • In military operations, 'downrange' often refers to the area beyond a specific point of origin, especially where weapons are aimed.
  • Service members use the term to discuss safety and engagement distance, differentiating between risk zones and secure areas.

Sports and Recreation

  • In archery and shooting sports, 'downrange' designates the target area where participants focus their skills.
  • Safety protocols are strictly observed in these contexts to ensure that the downrange area is clear of people and obstacles.

Cultural Representation

  • Movies and video games featuring military themes often showcase soldiers discussing strategies involving 'downrange' considerations for plot development.
  • The term has become popularized in discussions about responsible gun ownership and safety in various media.

Physics

  • Understanding projectile motion is key in physics; 'downrange' helps describe where and how far an object will travel when launched.
  • The term relates to concepts like angle of launch, force applied, and distance traveled, making it significant in both educational and practical applications.

Origin of 'downrange'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'down', indicating direction, and 'range', referring to an area or distance covered.
  • It began being used in military contexts, especially for targeting systems and shooting ranges, highlighting the trajectory of projectiles.

The term 'downrange' combines the prefix 'down' with the word 'range,' reflecting a directional sense towards a point away from the starting position, especially in shooting contexts. Late 19th-century military terminology popularized the use of 'downrange,' as advancements in firearms required precise communication about targets and distances. The term has since evolved to encompass a variety of contexts, including sports and hunting, where clarity about shooting areas is crucial. As disciplines like competitive shooting grew in popularity, 'downrange' became a standard term within these communities, emphasizing safety and awareness regarding the areas where bullets might land.