gunfire

[/ˈɡʌnfaɪər/]
nounpl: gunfires (rarely used in plural)
tiros de arma de fogo
1. the firing of guns or firearms, either single shots or continuous shooting
The soldiers took cover when the gunfire started.
Os soldados se abrigaram quando os tiros de arma de fogo começaram.
2. the sound produced by discharging firearms
We heard intense gunfire coming from the street.
Ouvimos intenso fogo de arma vindo da rua.
3. a barrage or volley of shots from one or more guns
The troops advanced under covering gunfire.
As tropas avançaram sob cobertura de fogo.
In Brazil, the term 'tiros de arma de fogo' is commonly used in news reports about urban violence and crime in favelas and peripheral areas. In American military and law enforcement contexts, 'gunfire' is the standard professional term. The word carries serious connotations in both cultures, typically associated with dangerous or violent situations.
NYC Slang
gunshots (more common in NYC vernacular than 'gunfire')
Synonyms / Sinônimos
shootingfirecrossfirefusilladebarrage
Antonyms / Antônimos
silenceceasefirepeace

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tiros de arma de fogo
most common and formal usage
General Brazilian (informal)
tiros
shortened, colloquial form
Rio de Janeiro
tiros de fuzil
often emphasizes rifle fire specifically
Portugal
tiro de arma
similar usage but slightly different phrasing

Related Words

firearmammunitionriflepistolartillerycombatwarfare

Related Idioms & Phrases

under gunfire (sob fogo de arma)
exchange gunfire (trocar tiros)
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