Ghost guns Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɡoʊst ˌɡʌnz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A type of firearm that is manufactured without serial numbers or other identifying features, often using 3D-printed components, making it difficult for law enforcement to track and regulate.

Examples

• The news outlet reported on the rise of ghost guns being used in local crimes.
• The manufacture of ghost guns is a growing concern for law enforcement agencies.

Synonyms

• Firearm
• Gun
• Handgun

Antonyms

• Licensed weapon
• Regulated firearm

Additional Information

Ghost guns are often associated with organized crime groups and have been linked to gang violence and other serious crimes. The manufacture and sale of ghost guns often involve online marketplaces and dark web networks. Law enforcement agencies have struggled to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology and online sales. As a result, there has been increased pressure on lawmakers to pass stricter regulations on the sale and manufacture of ghost guns.

Governments around the world have taken steps to address the issue, including implementing strict background checks and stricter regulations on online sales. In the United States, the Justice Department has launched a national initiative to track and regulate ghost guns, but more work needs to be done to effectively address the problem.

The lack of regulation surrounding ghost guns has created a lucrative market for manufacturers and sellers, with some reports indicating that ghost guns can be purchased online for as little as $100. This has allowed individuals to purchase firearms with ease, often without undergoing the usual background checks.

Lawmakers and law enforcement officials have also expressed concerns about the potential for ghost guns to be used in mass shootings and other violent crimes. In response, some states have introduced legislation to ban the sale and manufacture of ghost guns, but the issue remains highly contentious and debated.

Etymology

The term ‘ghost gun’ is believed to have originated in the early 2000s, when manufacturers began using 3D printing technology to create unregulated firearms. The term ‘ghost’ was used to describe the firearms’ ability to evade detection and regulation.

Usage Notes

The term ‘ghost gun’ is often used in news reports and policy debates surrounding firearms regulation. When using the term, it’s essential to be clear about the context and meaning, as it can be easily misunderstood.

Cultural References

Ghost guns have been featured in several documentaries and news programs, including a 2019 CNN report on the rise of ghost guns in local crime.

Related Words or Phrases

• Firearms
• Handgun
• Licence
• Regulation

Collocations

• ‘Ghost guns are being sold’
• ‘Law enforcement is tracking ghost guns’

Frequency of Use

The term ‘ghost gun’ has become increasingly common in modern language, particularly in news reports and policy debates surrounding firearms regulation. While it’s not a widely used term in everyday conversation, it’s essential to be aware of its meaning and context.

Common Misspellings

• Ghoest gun
• Ghost gan