Definition

Noun: - Efforts to regulate or control sales of guns: The term "gun control" refers to laws, policies, and organized efforts designed to restrict the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, or use of firearms by private citizens.

Usage

"Gun control" is used as a compound noun to discuss the political, legal, and social topic of regulating firearms. It is typically treated as a singular, uncountable concept when referring to the general issue or set of policies.

Examples

• The debate over gun control is a major issue in the national election.
• Many citizens are calling for stricter gun control laws following the tragedy.
• The senator has been a long-time advocate for effective gun control.

Advanced Usage

• "gun control measures/legislation/policies": Specific actions or laws proposed or enacted as part of gun control.
  • The city council passed new gun control measures to limit high-capacity magazines.
• "gun control debate/advocate/opponent": Used to describe the discussion or people involved in the issue.
  • She is a leading gun control advocate in the state.

Variants and Related Words

• Firearm regulation: A more formal synonym for gun control.
• Gun law: Often used interchangeably, though it can refer more specifically to existing statutes rather than the broader political effort.
• Gun violence prevention: A related term that focuses on the goal of gun control policies.

Synonyms

• Firearms regulation
• Arms control (though this more commonly refers to military weapons between nations)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Second Amendment rights": Often cited in opposition to gun control, referring to the U.S. Constitutional right to bear arms.
  • The discussion about gun control often involves balancing public safety with Second Amendment rights.
• "Background check": A common specific policy within gun control efforts.
  • Expanding background checks is a central plank of the proposed gun control bill.

Noun

1. efforts to regulate or control sales of guns