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 gun

b) a rifle

☆ c) popularly a pistol or revolver

2. any similar device not discharged by an explosive [an air gun]

3. a discharge of a gun in signaling or saluting

4. anything like a gun in shape or use

☆ 5. Slang GUNMAN (sense 1)

6. Slang the throttle of an engine

vi.

gunned, gunning

to shoot or hunt with a gun; go shooting or hunting

vt.

☆ 1. Informal to shoot (a person) intentionally: with down

2. Slang to advance the throttle of (an engine) so as to increase the speed

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big gun Slang

1. an important and influential person

2. a high-ranking military officer

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☆ 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

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go great guns

Slang to act with speed and efficiency

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☆ gun for

1. to hunt for with a gun

2. to look for in order to shoot or harm

3. Slang to try to get; seek

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jump the gun Informal

1. to begin a race before the signal has been given

2. to begin anything before the proper time

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spike someone's guns

to frustrate or defeat someone

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stick to one's guns

Informal to hold one's position under attack; not withdraw or retreat; be firm

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under the gun

Informal in a tense, demanding situation or threatened state, often one involving a deadline