The phrase "gun down" can be written in two ways, depending on the context in which it is used. In a transitive sense (i.e. when one is using a gun to shoot someone or something), "gun down" is spelled with a "d" at the end: /ɡʌn daʊn/. However, in an intransitive sense (i.e. when someone collapses after being shot), "gun down" is spelled with a "t" at the end: /ɡʌn taʊn/. It is important to use the correct spelling to convey the intended meaning accurately.
The dictionary definition of "gun down" refers to the act of shooting or killing someone, typically with a firearm, without warning or authorization. It involves the use of a gun or other similar weapon to inflict fatal or severe injuries on a person, purposely ending their life. This term can also be used to describe the act of shooting or striking someone down with a sudden burst of gunfire, often implying both surprise and aggression.
The phrase "gun down" carries a sense of violence, and it is typically associated with criminal activities, such as assassination, murder, or targeted attacks. It implies a deliberate and intentional act of taking another person's life by using a gun, usually with a single shot or a series of shots fired rapidly.
Furthermore, "gun down" can be used figuratively to describe defeating or overpowering someone easily and decisively in a conflict or competition. In this context, it usually conveys a sense of superiority or swift dominance, as if the subject of the action did not stand a chance against the perpetrator's firepower or force.
Overall, "gun down" is a term that encompasses both the literal act of shooting and killing someone unlawfully as well as the metaphorical sense of overpowering and defeating someone with ease.
The expression "gun down" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It originates from the combination of the noun "gun" and the verb "down".
The noun "gun" can be traced back to the Middle English word "gonne", which came from the Old Norse word "gunnr" meaning "battle". Over time, it evolved into "gun", referring to a portable firearm.
The verb "down" comes from the Old English word "dūn", which means "to lower". It is often used in various contexts to signify the action of bringing someone or something to the ground.
Therefore, when the two words are combined, "gun down" refers to the act of shooting someone or something with a gun, which subsequently brings them to the ground or kills them. The phrase is commonly used to describe the act of killing someone violently with firearms.