# gunned

/ˈɡənd/ (US) · /ɡˈʌnd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gunned
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to shoot someone with a gun, usually killing or seriously hurting them. It is often used when describing a sudden or violent attack.

For teachers: to shoot someone with a firearm, typically resulting in death or severe injury. Often used in the passive voice or in the phrasal verb 'gunned down'.

## Examples

- The criminal was gunned down by police during the chase.
- Witnesses reported that the suspect was gunned down in broad daylight outside the busy train station.
- The documentary explores the tragic events of that afternoon when several innocent bystanders were gunned down during a high-speed pursuit through the city center.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and often appears in the phrasal form 'gun down'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.