gunfire
Học thuậtThân 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
- the act of shooting a gun
- the gunfire endangered innocent bystanders
- they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire