Fatal shot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fatal shot

[ˈfeɪtl ʃɒt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

crime scene

A fatal shot refers to a gunshot wound that results in death. It is the final and deadly bullet fired by a gun, causing irreversible harm to the victim.

Synonyms

deadly bullet, lethal shot, mortal wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fatal shot	Use when describing a shot that results in death. It is commonly used in news reports and formal contexts. The officer fired a fatal shot that ended the confrontation. The victim succumbed to a fatal shot to the chest.
lethal shot	Similar to 'fatal shot,' but slightly more clinical and commonly used in official reports, medical contexts, or legal documents. The lethal shot was fired from a distance of 30 meters. The coroner confirmed that a lethal shot was the cause of death.
deadly bullet	Often employed in dramatic or intense scenarios, such as movies, literature, or to emphasize the danger of a situation. It suggests the inherent danger of the bullet itself. The assassin loaded the gun with a deadly bullet. The deadly bullet pierced through the armor, proving its lethal potential.
mortal wound	Typically used in literary, historical, or dramatic contexts to describe an injury that inevitably leads to death. It focuses more on the wound itself rather than the act of shooting. The knight received a mortal wound in the battle and fell to the ground. Despite their efforts, the doctors couldn't save him from the mortal wound.

Examples of usage

The fatal shot was fired from a distance, making it difficult to determine the exact location of the shooter.
The forensic team analyzed the trajectory of the fatal shot to reconstruct the sequence of events.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

In sports such as basketball or soccer, a fatal shot is a decisive play or move that secures victory for one team and ensures defeat for the other.

Synonyms

decisive play, game-winning shot, match-winning move.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fatal shot	Repeated entry, see the first 'fatal shot'.
decisive play	Used to describe an important move or action in sports that significantly impacts the outcome of the game. Her decisive play in the final minutes secured the team's victory. The coach praised the decisive play that turned the game around.
game-winning shot	Used in sports to describe a successful shot that wins the game for the team. He nailed the game-winning shot at the buzzer. Her game-winning shot brought the crowd to their feet.
match-winning move	Describes a critical maneuver or strategy in sports or games that secures the victory in a match. The chess player's match-winning move was brilliant and unexpected. His match-winning move in the final seconds clinched the championship.

Examples of usage

With only seconds left on the clock, the player made a fatal shot from beyond the three-point line, winning the game for his team.
The striker's fatal shot in the final minutes of the match sealed the victory for their team.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

In many historical battles, a 'fatal shot' was often the difference between victory and defeat.
Warfare has seen notable assassinations where a single shot changed the course of history, like Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914.

Pop Culture

The concept of a 'fatal shot' often appears in action films, where a key moment can lead to dramatic plot twists.
Video games frequently portray 'fatal shots' as critical skills, emphasizing precision and strategy in gameplay.

Psychology

The psychological impact of a 'fatal shot' in narratives can evoke strong emotional responses from audiences, including fear and sadness.
Studies show that witnessing or experiencing violence, including fatal shootings, can lead to long-term psychological effects on individuals.

Literature

In literature, a 'fatal shot' can symbolize the climax of a story, representing inevitable consequences of characters' choices.
Classic novels often use this trope to explore themes of mortality and the human condition.

Origin of 'fatal shot'

Main points about word origin

The word 'fatal' comes from the Latin 'fatum,' meaning 'fate' or 'destiny', signifying something that leads to death.
In English, 'shot' has been used since the 15th century to describe the act of firing a weapon.

The term 'fatal shot' originated from the combination of 'fatal', meaning causing death, and 'shot', referring to a projectile fired from a gun or similar weapon. It is commonly used in crime investigations and sports contexts to describe a decisive and impactful action. The phrase has evolved over time to emphasize the finality and irreversible consequences associated with a lethal shot or move.