Outgunned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
outgunned
[aสtหษกสnd ]
Definition
military context
Outgunned refers to being at a disadvantage in terms of firepower or weaponry compared to an opponent. In a military context, it implies that one side has significantly more or better weapons than the other, affecting the outcome of any confrontation.
Synonyms
outmatched, overpowered, overwhelmed.
Examples of usage
- The small army was outgunned by the enemy's heavy artillery.
- Despite their bravery, the insurgents found themselves outgunned and outnumbered.
- The police were outgunned during the standoff with organized criminals.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Military History
- During World War II, many battles were characterized by being outgunned, where one side had vastly more artillery.
- In modern warfare, drone technology has changed how forces perceive being outgunned, emphasizing strategy over sheer firepower.
- Historically, guerilla fighters often faced heavily armed armies, representing the classic outgunned scenario.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict heroes who are outgunned but manage to triumph through clever tactics or teamwork.
- Video games frequently feature scenarios where players start outgunned but can upgrade their weapons or abilities.
- Songs and poetry sometimes reference being outgunned as a metaphor for feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
Psychology
- Feeling outgunned can lead to heightened stress and anxiety in competitive situations.
- It can trigger a fight-or-flight response, influencing decision-making under pressure.
- Research shows that individuals often underestimate their capabilities when they believe they are outgunned.
Sports
- In sports, being outgunned can refer to a team facing another with superior talent or skill levels.
- Coaches often devise strategies to overcome being outgunned, focusing on teamwork and tactics rather than raw power.
- Underdog stories in sports highlight scenarios where a team prevails despite being outgunned, inspiring many.
Origin of 'outgunned'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'out-', meaning more than or beyond, with 'gunned', referring to having a gun.
- It originated in military contexts, often describing a situation where one side has superior firepower.
- It has evolved to describe not just military scenarios, but competitive situations in various fields.
The term 'outgunned' combines the prefix 'out-' indicating a superior position or condition in relation to another, with the verb 'gun', which refers to firearms or can also refer to the act of shooting. The use of 'gun' to denote various firearms dates back to the Middle Ages, with the word likely originating from the Old Norse term 'gonna', which means to shoot. Over time, as firearms evolved and became a prominent part of warfare, the term 'outgun' emerged in military vernacular to describe an overwhelming advantage. The term has since been adopted more broadly in various contexts, symbolizing not only physical confrontations but also metaphorical uses in competition, where one entity significantly surpasses another in resources or capabilities.