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Rifle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rifle

[หˆraษชfl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weapon

A rifle is a type of gun with a long barrel, designed to be fired from the shoulder. It is often used for hunting or in military operations.

Synonyms

firearm, gun, weapon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rifle

Use 'rifle' when referring to a long-barreled firearm designed for accurate shooting, often used in hunting or sport shooting.

  • He spent the weekend cleaning his hunting rifle.
  • She practiced shooting a rifle at the range.
gun

Use 'gun' as a broad, everyday term for any weapon that shoots bullets or shells. It can refer to handguns, rifles, or shotguns.

  • He brought a gun for protection.
  • She learned to shoot a gun at a young age.
firearm

Use 'firearm' as a general term for any type of gun, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. It's a more technical or legal term.

  • The law requires proper permits to carry a firearm.
  • He inherited a collection of antique firearms from his grandfather.
weapon

Use 'weapon' when referring to something designed or used for inflicting harm or damage. It can be any object, not just firearms, and has a more confrontational or negative connotation.

  • The knife was found next to other weapons in the suspect's car.
  • During the conflict, soldiers used various weapons including firearms and grenades.

Examples of usage

  • The hunter aimed his rifle at the deer.
  • The soldier carried a rifle during the patrol.
  • The sniper's rifle had a powerful scope for long-range accuracy.
Context #2 | Verb

search

To rifle means to search quickly through something, often in a rough or disorderly way, looking for something valuable or useful.

Synonyms

pillage, rummage, search.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rifle

Typically used to describe a quick and vigorous search through something, often with the sense of creating disorder. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • He rifled through his bag looking for the keys.
  • The thief rifled through the drawers, searching for valuables.
rummage

Implies searching thoroughly but usually in a somewhat disorganized or hasty manner. It doesn't necessarily have a negative implication.

  • She rummaged through her closet to find the perfect outfit.
  • He rummaged in the attic, looking for old photos.
search

A general term used to describe looking for something or someone in various contexts. It's neutral and widely applicable.

  • She searched the entire house for her missing phone.
  • The police are searching for the suspect.
pillage

Used to describe violent and forceful actions, usually during war or conflict, to steal property and goods. This has a very strong negative connotation.

  • The soldiers pillaged the village, leaving nothing behind.
  • During the invasion, the enemy forces pillaged homes and shops.

Examples of usage

  • She rifled through the drawers in search of the missing key.
  • The burglar rifled through the safe for any valuable items.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • Rifles became prominent in the 18th century, changing warfare by allowing soldiers to engage targets at longer distances with more precision.
  • The American Civil War saw widespread use of rifled muskets, contributing to higher casualty rates due to their improved range and accuracy.

Pop Culture

  • Rifles are commonly depicted in action films and video games, where they are often associated with heroes or villains.
  • In literature, rifles symbolize power and conflict, often representing personal or national struggles.

Technology

  • Modern rifles incorporate advanced materials and technology like polymer stock, optical sights, and recoil systems for better performance.
  • The introduction of automatic and semi-automatic rifles transformed modern warfare, allowing higher rates of fire.

Safety and Regulations

  • Many countries have strict laws regulating rifle ownership to ensure safety and prevent misuse.
  • Training and education around the safe handling of rifles are emphasized in many cultures, especially in hunting communities.

Origin of 'rifle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle French word 'rifler', meaning 'to scratch or groove', a reference to the grooves inside the barrel.
  • Rifles were developed in the late 15th century, with early designs featuring smoothbore barrels before evolving to the rifled barrel which enhances accuracy.

The word 'rifle' originated in the 18th century from the Old French word 'rifler', which means 'to scratch or scrape'. It was initially used to describe the act of ransacking or searching through something quickly. Over time, it evolved to also refer to the firearm with a long barrel that we know today.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,429 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.