goon

noun

\ˈgün

Definition of goon

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a stupid person

2a : a man hired to terrorize or eliminate opponents

b : enforcer sense 2b

go on

verb

Definition of go on (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to continue on or as if on a journey life goes on went on to greater things

b : to keep on : continue went on smoking

c : proceed went on to win the election

2 : to take place : happen what's going on

3 : to talk especially in an effusive manner the way people go on about their ancestors— Hamilton Basso

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about goon

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Examples of goon in a Sentence

Noun

He was beat up by a couple of goons. an unfortunate tendency to call those who disagree with him “brainless goons”

Verb

what in the world is going on in there? my, but Aunt Betty does go on about all of her aches and pains

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Belgium knows how to assert itself; Russia is rugged by necessity against more talented opponents; and Croatia’s silkily skilled midfield is backed up by defenders unafraid to channel their inner goon on occasion. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "The World Cup is getting seriously dirty now," 4 July 2018 Daniels has also reported being approached and threatened by a strange man — not Cohen, but quite possibly sent by Cohen, who styles himself as quite the goon. — Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Michael Cohen Apparently Flipping Is Extremely Bad News for Trump," 2 July 2018 An opening sequence sets the film's terror-thriller tone by sending witless corporate goons to retrieve a fossil. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom review: This nonsense has gone full Sharknado," 22 June 2018 Since then, the Man in Black has teamed up with Lawrence, met the new El Lazo, liberated Las Mudas from Major Craddock and his goons, and took a few bullets from Maeve and Lawrence—including one that hit him squarely in the goddamn chest. — Scott Meslow, GQ, "Westworld Season 2 Episode 9 Recap: Here Comes the Man in Black," 18 June 2018 Spencer arrives on campuses, insults black students, and brings along violent goons. — Valerie Strauss, Washington Post, "Why let the Klan march at a private historically black college? ‘This is not a First Amendment thing, man.’," 31 May 2018 Then the government’s own goon squads, to Dr. Updale’s alarm, enter the fray. — Michael Phillips, The Seattle Times, "‘The First Purge’: Violent, erratic prequel shows how it all began," 3 July 2018 An imaginative mind can see Roger Clemens, the 1991 Cy Young winner in the American League, lacing up a pair of skates and dropping his gloves at center ice to fight the biggest and baddest goon on the other side. — Si.com Staff, SI.com, "New on SI TV: Tom Glavine Shuts Out the Indians to Clinch the 1995 World Series," 21 June 2018 Over the past month his goons have arrested 17 liberal activists. — The Economist, "The calculations of Muhammad bin Salman," 7 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'goon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.