unloaded

Thân thiện

A hunter carefully checks that his rifle is unloaded before storing it.

Definition

Adjective 1. Not carrying a load or burden: Describes something, especially a vehicle, container, or person, that is empty or not weighed down. 2. Not charged with ammunition: Specifically for weapons, describes a firearm, gun, or similar device that does not contain bullets, shells, or other projectiles and is therefore not ready to fire.

Usage

The primary and most critical usage relates to safety and weapons. It is an absolute state; a weapon is either loaded or unloaded. It is often used in safety instructions and descriptions. * General (not carrying a load): * The unloaded truck used much less fuel. * She returned from the market with an unloaded cart. * Specific to weapons (not charged with ammunition): * Always treat every gun as if it were loaded, even if you believe it to be unloaded. * The officer confirmed the weapon was unloaded before placing it in the evidence bag.

Advanced Usage

• "Proved unloaded": A formal safety procedure where a firearm is inspected to visually and physically confirm the absence of ammunition in the chamber and magazine.
  • The range safety officer demanded that all firearms be proved unloaded before entering the safety area.
• Used metaphorically to describe something stripped of its power, threat, or emotional charge.
  • His criticism, once sharp, now felt unloaded and ineffective.

Variants and Related Words

• Unload (verb): The action of removing a load or ammunition.
  • Please unload the dishwasher.
  • He unloaded the pistol before cleaning it.
• Loaded (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning carrying a load or charged with ammunition.
• Safe (adjective, in context): While not a synonym, an "unloaded" weapon is a fundamental step toward making it "safe."

Synonyms

• Empty (general use)
• Cleared (specific to weapons)
• Discharged (can be specific to weapons, but often means it was fired)

Antonyms

• Loaded
• Charged
• Primed

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Keep it unloaded": A core rule of firearm safety for storage.
  • When not in use, keep it unloaded and locked away.
• "Show clear" or "Make clear": Commands instructing a person to demonstrate that a firearm is unloaded, often by locking the bolt back so the empty chamber is visible.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (of weapons) not charged with ammunition
   • many people are killed by guns thought to be unloaded