assault rifle
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of firearm: An assault rifle is a military firearm that is capable of selective fire (it can switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic or burst-fire modes). It is designed to use an intermediate-power cartridge and is fed from a detachable box magazine. * Core Concept: It is defined by its specific technical features (selective fire, intermediate cartridge) and military design purpose, not merely by its visual appearance.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The soldier was equipped with a standard-issue assault rifle.
- Modern infantry units primarily use variants of the assault rifle.
- The legislation sought to ban the sale of certain assault rifles to civilians.
Advanced Usage
- The term "assault rifle" has a specific technical definition in military and firearms contexts. In legal and media discourse, the related term "assault weapon" is often used, which is a broader legal classification that may include some semi-automatic-only firearms that resemble military assault rifles.
Variants and Related Words
- Assault weapon (n): A legal and political term, often used in legislation, that defines a category of semi-automatic firearms based on certain features (e.g., pistol grips, folding stocks). It is a distinct term from "assault rifle."
- Battle rifle (n): A military rifle that uses a full-power rifle cartridge, as opposed to the intermediate cartridge of an assault rifle.
- Carbine (n): A shorter, lighter version of a standard rifle or assault rifle.
Synonyms
- Automatic rifle: This term can be synonymous but is also a broader category that includes other types of automatic firearms.
- Selective-fire rifle: A more technical term emphasizing the key functional characteristic.
Related Phrases
- To be armed with an assault rifle: To carry or possess an assault rifle.
- The insurgents were armed with assault rifles.
Noun
- any of the automatic rifles or semiautomatic rifles with large magazines designed for military use