- gun
- gun [gun]n.[ME gunne, gonne, contr. < gonnilde, a 14th-c. cannon < ON Gunnhildr, fem. name (< gunnr, older form of guthr, war + hildr, battle)]1. a weapon consisting of a metal tube from which a projectile is discharged by the force of an explosive; specif.,a) technically, a heavy weapon with a relatively long barrel fixed in a mount, as a cannon or machine gunb) a rifle☆ c) popularly a pistol or revolver2. any similar device not discharged by an explosive [an air gun]3. a discharge of a gun in signaling or saluting4. anything like a gun in shape or use☆ 5. Slang GUNMAN (sense 1)6. Slang the throttle of an enginevi.gunned, gunningto shoot or hunt with a gun; go shooting or huntingvt.☆ 1. Informal to shoot (a person) intentionally: with down2. Slang to advance the throttle of (an engine) so as to increase the speed——————big gun Slang1. an important and influential person2. a high-ranking military officer——————☆ give it the gun [from the resemblance of early airplane accelerators to the trigger of a gun]Slang to cause something to start or gain speed——————go great gunsSlang to act with speed and efficiency——————☆ gun for1. to hunt for with a gun2. to look for in order to shoot or harm3. Slang to try to get; seek——————jump the gun Informal1. to begin a race before the signal has been given2. to begin anything before the proper time——————spike someone's gunsto frustrate or defeat someone——————stick to one's gunsInformal to hold one's position under attack; not withdraw or retreat; be firm——————under the gunInformal in a tense, demanding situation or threatened state, often one involving a deadline
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.