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Gunned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ซ
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gunned

[ษกสŒnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The past tense of 'gun,' meaning to shoot or fire a weapon. It can also refer to the act of attacking with a firearm. In a more figurative sense, it may describe pursuing something aggressively.

Synonyms

attacked, fired, shot.

Examples of usage

  • The suspect gunned down three officers in the shootout.
  • He was gunned after leaving the bar late at night.
  • The police gunned for the suspects after the robbery.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Criminal Justice

  • Gun violence remains a major concern worldwide, with numerous reports indicating it leads to thousands of deaths annually.
  • The impact of gunned incidents often extends beyond the victims, affecting families and communities long-term.
  • Many movements for gun control aim to address issues related to gun violence and its prevention.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and music often portray gun violence, influencing public perception and attitudes towards firearms.
  • Popular video games include narratives where characters are gunned down in action-packed sequences, raising debates about their effects on young audiences.
  • Songs that reference being gunned down often tackle themes of struggle, loss, and social issues.

Psychology

  • Experiences of being gunned down or witnessing gun violence can lead to long-term emotional and psychological effects like PTSD.
  • Reactions to being threatened with a gun can vary, with some individuals experiencing shock, while others may enter survival mode.
  • The concept of 'desensitization' can occur in societies frequently exposed to gun violence, affecting emotional responses.

Societal Impact

  • High-profile cases of being gunned down have sparked protests and discussions surrounding race and justice in society.
  • The rise of gun violence in urban areas has led to debates on gun policy and community safety strategies.
  • Various organizations work actively to educate communities about the risks and consequences of gun-related incidents.

Origin of 'gunned'

Main points about word origin

  • Originally derived from the Old Norse word 'gunnr,' meaning battle or war.
  • The term 'gun' in English appeared in the 14th century, originally referring to a large projectile weapon.
  • The transition to 'gunned' as a past tense indicates an action performed with a firearm, especially regarding violence.

The word 'gun' originated in the 14th century, derived from the Old French term 'gunne,' which referred to a type of cannon. This earlier term traces back to when firearms began to emerge in Europe. The verb form, 'gun,' emerged later in the 19th century, reflecting the evolution of firearms technology and its associated actions. Over time, 'gunned' as a past tense became common in various contexts, extending beyond just the physical act of shooting to include more abstract interpretations, such as aggressively pursuing goals. The transformation of 'gun' into a verb marked a significant linguistic shift, illustrating how language evolves alongside cultural and technological advancements.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,287, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.