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