Gun-shy


[guhn-shahy] /ˈgʌnˌʃaɪ/

adjective
1.
frightened by the sound of a gunshot:
a gun-shy bird dog.
2.
hesitant, wary, or distrustful, especially because of previous unpleasant experience.
adjective
1.
afraid of a gun or the sound it makes: a gun-shy dog is useless for shooting
adj.

1884, originally of sporting dogs, from gun (n.) + shy (adj.).

adjective

Apprehensive; reluctant; fearful: He’s still gun-shy about putting things on paper (1884+)

Read Also:

  • Gunslinger

    [guhn-sling-er] /ˈgʌnˌslɪŋ ər/ noun 1. Informal. . 2. Slang. a person who acts in an aggressive and decisive manner, especially in business or politics, as an investor who takes large risks in seeking large, quick gains. /ˈɡʌnˌslɪŋə/ noun 1. (slang) a gunfighter or gunman, esp in the Old West noun

  • Gunslinging

    [guhn-sling-er] /ˈgʌnˌslɪŋ ər/ noun 1. Informal. . 2. Slang. a person who acts in an aggressive and decisive manner, especially in business or politics, as an investor who takes large risks in seeking large, quick gains. /ˈɡʌnˌslɪŋə/ noun 1. (slang) a gunfighter or gunman, esp in the Old West noun

  • Gunsmith

    [guhn-smith] /ˈgʌnˌsmɪθ/ noun 1. a person who makes or repairs firearms. /ˈɡʌnˌsmɪθ/ noun 1. a person who manufactures or repairs firearms, esp portable guns n. 1580s, from gun (n.) + smith.

  • Gun someone down

    verb phrase To shoot so as to fell or kill: They gunned him down in a barber chair (1898+)

  • Gunstock

    [guhn-stok] /ˈgʌnˌstɒk/ noun 1. the or support in which the barrel of a shoulder weapon is fixed. /ˈɡʌnˌstɒk/ noun 1. the wooden or metallic handle or support to which is attached the barrel of a rifle


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