gun

A weapon that shoots bullets through a metal tube.

• The officer carried a gun.
• Someone fired a gun outside.
• They kept their guns in a locked cupboard.

Similar words: firearm

Common phrases: fire a gun, loaded gun, carry a gun

A small weapon that you hold in one hand to shoot bullets.

• He held a gun in one hand.
• She put the gun back in its holster.
• The robber pulled a small gun from his pocket.

Similar words: handgun, pistol

Common phrases: small gun, draw a gun, gun in hand

A long weapon held against the shoulder to shoot bullets or small metal pieces.

• The hunter carried a long gun.
• He raised the gun to his shoulder.
• She cleaned her hunting gun after returning home.

Similar words: rifle, shotgun

Common phrases: hunting gun, long gun, shoulder a gun

To make an engine run faster by pressing its speed control.

• He gunned the engine.
• She gunned the motor and sped away.
• Do not gun the engine while the car is parked.

Similar words: rev, accelerate

Common phrases: gun the engine, gun a motor

To shoot someone, usually killing or seriously hurting them.

• The men gunned down a guard.
• She was gunned down outside the station.
• Police believe the victim was gunned down by a stranger.

How to use it: gun someone down (The attackers gunned him down outside his house.)

Similar words: shoot

Common phrases: gun someone down, gun down someone

To try to harm someone, defeat them, or get them into trouble.

• His rivals are gunning for him.
• The boss has been gunning for me since Monday.
• Why are the newspapers gunning for her?

How to use it: gun for someone (The opposition has been gunning for the minister all week.)

Similar words: target, go after

Common phrases: gun for someone, gun for rivals

To strongly support someone or something and hope they succeed.

• We are all gunning for you.
• Her friends were gunning for her throughout the contest.
• The fans are gunning for their team today.

How to use it: gun for someone/something (The whole family is gunning for you in the final.)

Similar words: root for, cheer on

Common phrases: gun for someone, gun for victory