assault rifle

noun

1. a military rifle capable of both automatic and semiautomatic fire, utilizing an intermediate-power cartridge.
2. a nonmilitary weapon modeled on the military assault rifle, usually modified to allow only semiautomatic fire.

assault rifle

noun

1. a semiautomatic firearm with additional features such as a large magazine, a bayonet fitting, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of assault rifle¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

He was found with an arsenal of weaponry, including assault rifles, handguns and ammunition, according to a Berkeley Police Department media release.

From Los Angeles Times

OllMS is also a fan of some of the weapons, which he says were in earlier versions and have been brought back, such as the AS VAL - a type of assault rifle.

From BBC

Crooks pointed his assault rifle at the officer, who slipped, fell to the ground and then started yelling into his radio: “He’s got a gun. He’s got a long gun.”

From BBC

Sharvit had always carried a pistol with him in the fields, but now he began approaching activists and Palestinians with an assault rifle slung over his shoulder and his threats became more menacing, Ariel says.

From BBC

“Saying she wants to ban assault rifles and attack the Second Amendment is not going to play well,” said Somogye.

From Salon