gunfire

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: 1. The act of shooting a gun or guns; the sound or noise produced by shooting guns: Refers to the discharge of firearms, either as an action or the resulting sound. 2. A sustained period of shooting: Can describe an exchange or volley of shots from firearms.

Usage and Examples
  • The sudden gunfire from the street caused everyone to duck for cover. (Here, 'gunfire' refers to the sound/event of guns being shot.)
  • The soldiers advanced under heavy gunfire. (This describes the sustained shooting they experienced.)
  • The gunfire lasted for several minutes before ceasing. (Refers to the period of shooting.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to exchange gunfire": To shoot at each other.
    • The police and the suspects exchanged gunfire for nearly an hour.
  • "a burst/spray/round of gunfire": A short, concentrated period of shooting.
    • A single burst of gunfire was heard, then silence.
Variants and Related Words
  • Gunshot (noun): The sound of a gun being fired or a single bullet fired from a gun.
    • He heard a gunshot in the distance. (This typically refers to a single instance, whereas 'gunfire' often implies multiple shots.)
  • Fire (noun): In a military context, this can be a synonym for gunfire or other weapons discharge.
    • They were pinned down by enemy fire.
Synonyms
  • Shooting
  • Gunshots
  • Fire (in a military/combat context)
  • Fusillade (a simultaneous or rapid series of shots)
Related Phrases
  • In the line of fire: In a position where one is likely to be shot.
    • Civilians were caught in the line of fire.
  • Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting, including gunfire.
    • Both sides agreed to a ceasefire.
Noun
  1. the act of shooting a gun
    • the gunfire endangered innocent bystanders
    • they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire