Firearm Meaning
/ˈfaɪəɹˌɑː(ɹ)m/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA personal weapon that uses explosive powder to propel a projectile often made of lead.
Sentence Examples
Gun makers have been able to escape responsibility for firearm violence.
Can you handle a firearm?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Police officers are trained to use a ____ safely and responsibly for protection.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
It is illegal to possess a ____ without a proper license and rigorous safety training from professionals.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *péh₂wr̥ Proto-Germanic *fōr Proto-West Germanic *fuir Old English fȳr Middle English fyr English fire Proto-Indo-European *h₂er- Proto-Indo-European *h₂érmos Proto-Germanic *armaz Proto-West Germanic *arm Old English earm Middle English arm English arm English firearm From fire (“projectile discharge”) + arm (“weapon”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Understanding gun ownership in the US can help inform debates about firearm laws (or lack thereof). […] There are about 393 million privately owned firearms in the US, according to an estimate by the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey – or in other words, 120 guns for every 100 Americans."
— 2022 June 2, Harmeet Kaur, “What studies reveal about gun ownership in the US”, in CNN:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Police officers are trained to use a ____ safely and responsibly for protection.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
It is illegal to possess a ____ without a proper license and rigorous safety training from professionals.