Definition

A fight or battle where people use guns to shoot at each other.

Example

The police arrived just in time to break up the gunfight between rival gangs.

Conversation

Did you hear about that gunfight downtown last night?

Yeah, I read about it in the news; it sounded intense.

I can’t believe how dangerous things are getting lately.

I know, it’s really scary to think about how often these things happen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gunfight → It is formed from "gun" (from Middle English *gunne*, meaning a type of firearm) and "fight" (from Old English *feohtan*, meaning to engage in battle or struggle). The word "gunfight" refers to a battle or struggle involving firearms.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'gun' as a type of firearm and 'fight' as engaging in battle — together, they describe a battle involving guns.

Visually Confused Words