rifle
UK: ˈraɪfl̩ | US: ˈraɪfl̩
n. a firearm with a long barrel, designed for accurate shooting
vt. to search thoroughly and roughly, often stealing or removing items
rifle = rif<groove> + le<instrument suffix>
- rif (from Old French rifler, "to scratch or groove," later associated with spiral grooves inside a gun barrel)
- le (diminutive or instrumental suffix in English, indicating a tool or device)
Etymology Origin:
The word rifle originated in the 14th century from Old French rifler ("to scratch or plunder"), reflecting its dual history. Early firearms featured spiral grooves (rifling) inside the barrel to improve accuracy, giving the weapon its name. The verb sense ("to ransack") stems from the same root, metaphorically extending the idea of "scratching through" possessions.
The soldier cleaned his rifle before the mission.
Hunters often prefer rifles for long-range accuracy.
Burglars rifled through the drawers, stealing jewelry.
The museum displayed a historic rifle from the Civil War.
She watched as he carefully loaded the rifle.