Gunrunning: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'gunrunning' is a compound word formed from 'gun', which originates from the Old Norse word 'gunnr', meaning 'war' or 'battle', and 'running', derived from the Old English 'rinnan', meaning 'to run'. The modern usage of 'gunrunning' emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of the proliferation of firearms and the escalation of conflicts, such as during World War I and subsequent wars. As the illegal arms trade grew, so did the need for law enforcement and governments to address the challenges posed by gunrunning. The term is often associated with organized crime and illicit trade networks that profit from the sale of weapons to groups that are often engaged in violence or terrorism. Today, gunrunning remains a significant issue in global security discussions.

At position #41,191, 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.

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• 41188 snog
• 41189 birching
• 41190 contagiously
• 41191 gunrunning
• 41192 squealer
• 41193 sourer
• 41194 proselytizer
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