Pistol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pistol

[ˈpɪstəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

firearm

A small firearm designed to be held in one hand, which can fire bullets. Pistols are commonly used by law enforcement officers and military personnel.

Synonyms

gun, handgun, revolver, sidearm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pistol	Commonly used to refer to any small firearm designed to be held in one hand. It is a general term and can be used in most contexts where small firearms are discussed. The officer carried a pistol in his holster She bought a pistol for self-defense
handgun	Specifically refers to firearms designed to be operated with one hand, such as pistols and revolvers. Often used in technical or formal contexts. The security guard was armed with a handgun Certain states have strict regulations on purchasing handguns
revolver	A type of pistol known for having a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers for bullets. Used when specifically referring to this type of firearm. The old sheriff's revolver was displayed in the museum She practiced shooting her revolver at the target range
sidearm	Refers to a weapon (usually a small firearm like a pistol or revolver) carried at a person's side. Commonly used in military or law enforcement contexts. The officer always kept his sidearm within reach The soldiers' sidearms were part of their standard equipment
gun	A broad term for any firearm. It includes rifles, shotguns, and pistols. When used generally, it can refer to any type of gun, not just small firearms. He went to the shooting range to fire his gun The soldiers were equipped with guns

Examples of usage

A police officer drew his pistol to defend himself.
The soldier carried a pistol as part of his gear.
She kept a pistol in her purse for protection.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

A scoring shot in basketball where the player flicks the ball into the net with one hand.

Synonyms

field goal, shot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pistol	This seems to be a duplicate entry. Refer to the first explanation of 'pistol'.
shot	Can refer to firing a weapon, an attempt to score in sports, or an injection of medicine. He took a shot at the target and hit it accurately. She scored a perfect three-point shot in the basketball game. The doctor gave me a flu shot to protect against the illness.
field goal	A score in sports such as American football or basketball, made by kicking the ball through the uprights or shooting the ball through the hoop from the field. The kicker successfully made a field goal, adding three points to the team's score. He missed the field goal, and the team lost the game.

Word

Description / Examples

pistol

This seems to be a duplicate entry. Refer to the first explanation of 'pistol'.

shot

Can refer to firing a weapon, an attempt to score in sports, or an injection of medicine.

He took a shot at the target and hit it accurately.
She scored a perfect three-point shot in the basketball game.
The doctor gave me a flu shot to protect against the illness.

field goal

A score in sports such as American football or basketball, made by kicking the ball through the uprights or shooting the ball through the hoop from the field.

The kicker successfully made a field goal, adding three points to the team's score.
He missed the field goal, and the team lost the game.

Examples of usage

He made a perfect pistol from the three-point line.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To shoot someone with a pistol.

Synonyms

fire, shoot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pistol	A small handheld gun, often used in references to law enforcement, self-defense, or historical firearms. The officer drew his pistol to protect himself Collectors are always on the lookout for antique pistols
shoot	The action of firing a gun or using a weapon to hit a target. It can also be used in photography, filming, or an informal expression of doing or trying something quickly. He practiced at the shooting range to improve his aim They decided to shoot the film on location Shoot me a message when you get home
fire	Typically used to describe the action of shooting a weapon or starting something burning. It can also be used in broader contexts such as starting a job, emotion, or enthusiasm. The commander ordered his troops to open fire She decided to fire up the grill for the BBQ His eyes were fired with ambition

Word

Description / Examples

pistol

A small handheld gun, often used in references to law enforcement, self-defense, or historical firearms.

The officer drew his pistol to protect himself
Collectors are always on the lookout for antique pistols

shoot

The action of firing a gun or using a weapon to hit a target. It can also be used in photography, filming, or an informal expression of doing or trying something quickly.

He practiced at the shooting range to improve his aim
They decided to shoot the film on location
Shoot me a message when you get home

fire

Typically used to describe the action of shooting a weapon or starting something burning. It can also be used in broader contexts such as starting a job, emotion, or enthusiasm.

The commander ordered his troops to open fire
She decided to fire up the grill for the BBQ
His eyes were fired with ambition

Examples of usage

The criminal attempted to pistol his way out of the situation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

Pistols were first widely used by cavalry soldiers in the 17th century, allowing rapid fire while on horseback.
The famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804 involved pistols, highlighting their role in personal conflicts.
Innovations in the late 19th century, such as the revolver mechanism, greatly increased a pistol's reliability and firepower.

Pop Culture

Pistols have been iconic in Hollywood, featuring prominently in classic and action films like 'Die Hard' and 'James Bond'.
Popular video games often showcase pistols as either primary weapons or collectibles, adding to their cultural presence.
In literature, characters like Sherlock Holmes are often depicted using pistols, symbolizing their intelligence and danger.

Safety and Legislation

Pistol ownership is heavily regulated in many countries, with laws varying widely from strict control to very lax regulations.
Gun safety courses often include pistol training, emphasizing responsible ownership and usage to prevent accidents.
Debates regarding gun control frequently reference pistols due to their accessibility and the risks involved.

Technological Advancement

Modern pistols include features such as polymer frames and alloy construction, making them lighter and more durable.
Advancements like laser sights and suppressors enhance accuracy and discretion, showcasing the evolution of firearm technology.
Self-loading pistols, or semi-automatics, allow for multiple shots without needing to reload after every shot, increasing efficiency.

Origin of 'pistol'

Main points about word origin

The term 'pistol' comes from the French word 'pistole', which referred to a type of gun used from the 16th century.
In the 17th century, pistols were commonly referred to as 'hand cannons', evolving to smaller designs that are easier to carry.
The word is believed to be linked to a town in the Czech Republic known for producing early firearms, illustrating its historical roots.

The word 'pistol' originated in the mid-16th century from French 'pistolet', diminutive of 'piston' (a small firearm). The term has evolved to encompass various meanings across different contexts, from firearms to sports. Pistols have played a significant role in law enforcement, military operations, and sports competitions.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,847 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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