Meaning
This word literally means to kill someone by shooting them, specifically referring to execution by firing squad as a form of capital punishment. In modern colloquial usage, it has extended to mean rejecting an idea, proposal, or plan completely and decisively.
Usage
Primarily used in legal, historical, or military contexts when referring to actual executions. In everyday conversation, younger speakers often use it metaphorically to mean completely rejecting or vetoing something, similar to saying 'shot down' in English. The literal meaning carries serious weight, so use the figurative sense carefully.
Examples
- 01这个罪犯在1950年被枪毙了。.This criminal was executed by firing squad in 1950.
- 02老板直接把我的方案枪毙了。' .The boss shot down my proposal outright.
Characters
Common collocations
- 当场枪毙to execute on the spot
- 被枪毙to be executed by firing squad
- 枪毙提案to shoot down a proposal
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 枪 (gun) with 毙 (to die/kill), creating a compound that literally means 'gun-kill' or death by firearm. This term became prominent during the 20th century as firing squads were used for executions in China.