handgun

Thân thiện

A police officer holsters a standard-issue handgun on their duty belt.

Definition

Noun: A compact firearm designed to be held and operated with a single hand. It is typically used for self-defense, law enforcement, and sport shooting.

Usage

The word "handgun" is a countable noun. It refers to the general category of one-handed firearms, which includes pistols and revolvers. It is a formal and technical term.

Examples

• The police officer drew her handgun from its holster.
• Regulations require a permit to purchase a handgun.
• He practices at the range to improve his accuracy with a handgun.

Advanced Usage

• "Concealed handgun": A handgun that is hidden from view on one's person.
  • He has a license to carry a concealed handgun.
• "Handgun violence": A term used in sociological or legal contexts to discuss crimes or injuries involving handguns.
  • The study focused on reducing urban handgun violence.

Variants and Related Words

• Pistol (n): A common type of handgun where the chamber is integral with the barrel.
• Revolver (n): A type of handgun with a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers for bullets.
• Sidearm (n): A formal or military term for a handgun carried on one's person.

Synonyms

• Pistol
• Sidearm
• Firearm (a broader category that includes handguns, rifles, and shotguns)

Antonyms

• Long gun (e.g., rifle, shotgun)

Học thuật

Noun

1. a firearm that is held and fired with one hand

Từ đồng nghĩa

• pistol
• side arm
• shooting iron