shotgun marriage
"Shotgun marriage" originated from the idea of a father coercing a reluctant groom into marriage due to an unplanned pregnancy, often using a shotgun as a threat.
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Definition
C1Relationships
(informal, american)A marriage arranged quickly due to an unexpected pregnancy.
Example
- They had a shotgun marriage after finding out she was pregnant.
C1Society
(informal)A marriage that happens suddenly due to external pressures or circumstances.
Example
- Their shotgun marriage was a result of family pressure.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shotgun marriage":