gun (gŭn)
n.

1. A weapon consisting of a metal tube from which a projectile is fired at high velocity into a relatively flat trajectory.
2. A cannon with a long barrel and a relatively low angle of fire.
3. A portable firearm, such as a rifle or revolver.
4. A device resembling a firearm or cannon, as in its ability to project something, such as grease, under pressure or at great speed.
5. A discharge of a firearm or cannon as a signal or salute.
6. One, such as a hunter, who carries or uses a gun.
7. 1. A person skilled in the use of a gun.
   2. A professional killer: a hired gun.
8. The throttle of an engine, as of an automobile.

v., gunned, gun·ning, guns.

v.tr.

1. To shoot (a person): a bank robber who was gunned down by the police.
2. To open the throttle of (an engine) so as to accelerate: gunned the engine and sped off.
3. Maine. To hunt (game).

v.intr.
To hunt with a gun.

phrasal verb:

gun for

1. To pursue relentlessly so as to overcome or destroy.
2. To go after in earnest; set out to obtain: gunning for a promotion.

idioms:

go great guns

1. To proceed or perform with great speed, skill, or success.

hold a gun to (someone's) head

1. To put pressure on someone.

under the gun

1. Under great pressure or under threat.

[Middle English gonne, cannon, short for Gunilda, woman's name applied to a siege engine, from Old Norse Gunnhildr, woman's name : gunnr, war + hildr, war.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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