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Gunrunner: meaning, definitions and examples

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gunrunner

 

[ ˈɡʌnˌrʌnər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

illegal activity

A gunrunner is an individual or group that illegally transports and sells firearms and ammunition. This term is often associated with the illegal arms trade, where weapons are smuggled across borders to be sold on the black market. Gunrunners play a significant role in the proliferation of weapons, particularly in conflict zones and regions with strict gun control laws. Their activities can contribute to violence and instability in affected areas.

Synonyms

arms dealer, smuggler, trafficker

Examples of usage

  • The authorities arrested a gunrunner at the border.
  • Reports indicated that the gunrunner supplied weapons to insurgent groups.
  • Several gunrunners were apprehended in a major crackdown on illegal arms trafficking.

Translations

Translations of the word "gunrunner" in other languages:

🇵🇹 traficante de armas

🇮🇳 हथियार तस्कर

🇩🇪 Waffenhändler

🇮🇩 penjual senjata

🇺🇦 контрабандист зброї

🇵🇱 przemytnik broni

🇯🇵 武器密売人

🇫🇷 trafiquant d'armes

🇪🇸 traficante de armas

🇹🇷 silah kaçakçısı

🇰🇷 무기 밀매업자

🇸🇦 مهربان الأسلحة

🇨🇿 narkoman zbraní

🇸🇰 prevádzač zbraní

🇨🇳 枪支走私者

🇸🇮 trgovec z orožjem

🇮🇸 vopna smyglari

🇰🇿 қару контрабандашысы

🇬🇪 იარაღების კონტრაბანდისტი

🇦🇿 silah qaçaqçısı

🇲🇽 traficante de armas

Word origin

The term 'gunrunner' emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in the context of prohibition along with other forms of smuggling. It is a compound word formed from 'gun,' which has old English and German roots relating to weapons, and 'runner,' which stems from the Old English 'rennian,' meaning 'to run.' As conflicts around the world increased, especially after World War II, the term gained notoriety as the illegal arms trade expanded. In various conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the civil wars in Africa, gunrunners became essential players in the unauthorized distribution of firearms, evading legal regulations and contributing to global instability. Over time, the term has become synonymous with the darker aspects of the arms industry, encompassing various levels of illegal activities related to the smuggling and distribution of weapons.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,288, 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.