autorifle

A soldier carries an autorifle during a patrol.

Definition

Noun:
- A type of automatic rifle: "Autorifle" refers to a lightweight, shoulder-fired firearm capable of automatic or semi-automatic fire, typically used by military or law enforcement forces. It is designed for rapid, sustained shooting and often serves as a squad support weapon or individual combat rifle.

Usage Examples

• (A lightweight automatic rifle used for combat.)
• (The weapon’s ability to fire rapidly was useful in tight spaces.)

Advanced Usage

• "Autorifle" in historical context: In the early 20th century, "autorifle" was sometimes used interchangeably with "automatic rifle," but modern classifications distinguish it from machine guns by its lighter weight and shoulder-fired design.

  • The Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) is a classic example of an autorifle from World War I. (A historical model of an automatic rifle.)

• "Autorifle" as a technical term: In firearms terminology, "autorifle" specifically implies a rifle that can fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull (fully automatic), unlike a semi-automatic rifle that fires one round per trigger pull.

  • The autorifle’s selector switch allows the user to choose between semi-automatic and automatic modes. (The switch controls the firing mode.)

Variants and Related Words

• Automatic rifle (noun phrase): A broader term for any rifle that fires automatically; "autorifle" is a shortened form of this.

  • The automatic rifle was standard issue for infantry squads. (The weapon was commonly used by soldiers.)

• Assault rifle (noun): A more modern term for a selective-fire rifle using an intermediate cartridge; related but not identical to "autorifle," which may use full-power cartridges.

  • The M16 is an assault rifle, while the M1918 BAR is an autorifle. (Different categories of automatic weapons.)

Synonyms

• Automatic rifle: A synonym for "autorifle," emphasizing the automatic firing capability.
• Machine rifle: A historical term for a light automatic rifle used as a squad support weapon.

Related Idioms

• "Lock and load": A command to prepare a firearm for action, often used with an autorifle.

  • The sergeant yelled, "Lock and load your autorifles!" (Prepare your weapons for use.)

• "Spray and pray": A colloquial phrase describing firing an automatic weapon indiscriminately, often associated with autorifles in combat.

  • He relied on spray and pray with his autorifle instead of aiming carefully. (Firing wildly without precision.)