gunfire

[guhn-fahy^uhr]

noun

1. the firing fire of a gun gin gun or guns. gun.

2. Military.,  the tactical use of firearms, especially artillery, as distinguished from other weapons, as bayonets, torpedoes, or grenades.

gunfire

/ ˈɡʌnˌfaɪə /

noun

1. the firing of one or more guns, esp when done repeatedly

2. the use of firearms, as contrasted with other military tactics

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunfire¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; gun ¹ + fire

Example Sentences

Yosef-Chaim Ohana, 25, had been at the festival with a friend, who said they had remained to help people escape the gunfire before running themselves.

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Their ability to fly low and their conspicuousness means they can also be easily hit by gunfire from the ground - so they are more commonly used at night.

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He was arrested after helping two friends who had been wounded by gunfire.

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LONDON—One of those killed and one injured in Thursday’s terrorist attack in Manchester were hit by gunfire from police who were trying to stop the attacker from entering a crowded synagogue, police said.

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Greater Manchester Police said Mr Daulby appeared to have been hit by police gunfire as they shot the attacker shortly after the alarm was raised.

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Related Words

• artillery 
• barrage 
• blast 
• bombardment 
• burst 
• detonation 
• firing 
• shooting www.thesaurus.com
• thunder 
• volley