gun for

gun  (gn)

n.

1. A weapon consisting of a metal tube from which a projectile is fired at high velocity into a relatively flat trajectory.

2. A cannon with a long barrel and a relatively low angle of fire.

3. A portable firearm, such as a rifle or revolver.

4. A device resembling a firearm or cannon, as in its ability to project something, such as grease, under pressure or at great speed.

5. A discharge of a firearm or cannon as a signal or salute.

6. One, such as a hunter, who carries or uses a gun.

7.

a. A person skilled in the use of a gun.

b. A professional killer: a hired gun.

8. The throttle of an engine, as of an automobile.

v. gunned, gun·ning, guns

v.tr.

1. To shoot (a person): a bank robber who was gunned down by the police.

2. To open the throttle of (an engine) so as to accelerate: gunned the engine and sped off.

3. Maine To hunt (game).

v.intr.

To hunt with a gun.

Phrasal Verb:

gun for

1. To pursue relentlessly so as to overcome or destroy.

2. To go after in earnest; set out to obtain: gunning for a promotion.

Idioms:

go great guns

To proceed or perform with great speed, skill, or success.

hold a gun to (someone's) head

To put pressure on someone.

under the gun

Under great pressure or under threat.

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[Middle English gonne, cannon, short for Gunilda, woman's name applied to a siege engine, from Old Norse Gunnhildr, woman's name : gunnr, war; see g^when- in Indo-European roots + hildr, war.]

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gun for

vb (intr, preposition)

1. to search for in order to reprimand, punish, or kill

2. to try earnestly for he was gunning for promotion