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Guns Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ซ
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guns

[ษกสŒn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weapon

A gun is a weapon designed to fire bullets or shells.

Synonyms

firearm, pistol, rifle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guns

General term for any kind of firearm. Often used in casual conversation or media. Can refer to handguns, rifles, and other types.

  • The police confiscated several guns from the suspect's house
  • He has a collection of antique guns
firearm

A more formal and technical term used in legal or official contexts. Refers to any weapon that can discharge a projectile, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

  • The law requires background checks for all firearm purchases
  • Firearm safety is of utmost importance
rifle

A long-barrel firearm designed for long-distance shooting. Commonly used in hunting, military, and sporting contexts.

  • He went hunting with his rifle
  • The soldiers were trained to use rifles
pistol

Specifically refers to a type of handgun that is small and can be easily carried. Often used in self-defense, law enforcement, and shooting sports.

  • She has a license to carry a pistol
  • The officer drew his pistol during the arrest

Examples of usage

  • He pointed the gun at the target.
  • She heard the sound of a gun shot in the distance.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

In politics, 'guns' may refer to military power or the ability to use force.

Synonyms

firepower, force, military power.

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Word Description / Examples
guns

Guns are specific handheld firearms. This word is used when referring to specific types of weapons that soldiers or individuals might carry.

  • He cleaned his guns before going to the shooting range.
  • The soldiers were equipped with automatic guns.
military power

Military power refers to the total strength and capabilities of a nation's armed forces. It's a broad term encompassing resources, strategy, technology, and personnel.

  • The country's military power is recognized globally.
  • They invested heavily in technology to boost their military power.
firepower

Firepower refers to the amount of destructive power that a group of military forces or weapons can deliver. It emphasizes the capacity to inflict damage.

  • The navy's firepower was enough to sink the enemy fleet.
  • The new tanks brought significant firepower to the battlefield.
force

Force is a broader term that can refer to physical power, military strength, or coercion. It doesn't necessarily involve weapons but can include them.

  • The police used force to disperse the crowd.
  • Our army has a lot of force behind it.

Examples of usage

  • The country's leaders were discussing the balance of guns and diplomacy.
  • The politician emphasized the importance of strength in numbers and guns.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

In sports like track and field, 'guns' are used to start races.

Synonyms

starter pistol, starting gun.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guns

General term for firearms of various types used in diverse contexts such as hunting, self-defense, law enforcement, and military.

  • He owns several guns for hunting trips.
  • The police confiscated the illegal guns.

Examples of usage

  • The runner took off as soon as the gun went off.
  • The officials checked the starting blocks and the gun position for the race.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'gun' originates from the late Middle Ages, possibly derived from a woman's name, 'Gunilda', who had a cannon named after her.
  • The earliest firearms were developed in China during the 9th century, initially using gunpowder for military purposes.
  • By the 16th century, guns had spread across Europe, leading to changes in warfare tactics and battle strategies.

Technology

  • Modern guns have evolved significantly with advancements in materials and design, making them lighter and more accurate.
  • The invention of smokeless powder in the 19th century revolutionized firearms, allowing for cleaner, more efficient firing.
  • Automatic rifles and handguns introduced in the 20th century changed the face of personal and military defense.

Culture

  • Guns are featured prominently in films and video games, often symbolizing power, conflict, or the struggle for justice.
  • In music genres like country and hip-hop, references to guns can express themes of empowerment or survival in difficult environments.
  • Gun culture varies greatly from country to country, influencing laws, social attitudes, and safety perceptions.

Psychology

  • The presence of firearms in media can shape people's perceptions of danger, safety, and self-defense.
  • Research shows that individuals exposed to violent gun imagery may have increased aggression and desensitization to violence.
  • The concept of gun ownership is often tied to identity and personal freedom, impacting how individuals relate to authority and control.

Legislation

  • Gun control laws vary widely across the globe, with some countries enforcing strict regulations while others grant open ownership rights.
  • The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right to bear arms, which is often debated in discussions about safety and rights.
  • Legislation surrounding guns has become a focal point for activism, balancing the rights of individuals with concerns about public safety.

Origin of 'guns'

The word 'gun' originated from the Middle English 'gunne', which came from the Old Norse 'gunnr' meaning war. Initially, it referred to a large, portable firearm, but over time, it has evolved to encompass various types of firearms. Guns have played a significant role in warfare, hunting, and self-defense throughout history, shaping military strategies and societal dynamics.

See also: gun, gunfighter, gunfire, gunman, gunpowder, gunshot, gunshots, gunslinger.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,333, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.