Kill shot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kill shot

[kɪl ʃɒt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in warfare

A kill shot is a shot that is intended to kill or incapacitate an enemy, typically in a single hit.

Synonyms

deadly shot, fatal shot, lethal shot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kill shot	Used in sports or competitive settings, particularly in games like billiards or archery, to describe a final decisive move or shot that ensures victory. He made the kill shot and won the archery competition. In pool, she lined up the perfect kill shot to sink the eight ball.
fatal shot	Specifically refers to a shot that causes death. Most commonly used in contexts like crime reporting, medical examinations, or discussions about serious accidents. The coroner confirmed that the victim died from a fatal shot to the chest. Witnesses say it was a fatal shot that ended the fight.
lethal shot	Focuses on the capability of the shot to cause death or serious injury, often used in medical, legal, or formal contexts. The suspect was charged with administering a lethal shot from a firearm. Doctors concluded that the lethal shot was administered at close range.
deadly shot	Describes a shot, often in a combat or dangerous situation, that has the potential to cause death or severe injury. The sniper took a deadly shot from the rooftop. His deadly shot during the duel left his opponent lifeless on the ground.

Examples of usage

The sniper took a kill shot from a distance of 500 meters.
A well-placed kill shot can end a battle quickly.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in sports

A kill shot is a powerful and strategically placed shot in sports such as volleyball or squash that is very difficult for the opponent to return.

Synonyms

decisive shot, winning shot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kill shot	This term is often used in sports, particularly in games like racquetball, squash, or paintball, where a specific shot ends the match or secures a decisive point. It may also be used in a figurative sense to describe a critical move that ends a competition or conflict. He made a perfect kill shot to win the racquetball match. The team's strategy was like a kill shot to their opponents.
winning shot	This term is used to describe the shot that ultimately secures the victory in a game or match. It implies that this particular shot directly leads to the win. He made the winning shot just as the buzzer rang. Her winning shot clinched the championship for the team.
decisive shot	This phrase is generally used when referring to any shot that plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a game or match. It indicates a moment of significant impact but does not necessarily imply the end of the game. Her decisive shot from the three-point line gave the team an edge. The decisive shot in the match shifted the momentum in their favor.

Word

Description / Examples

kill shot

This term is often used in sports, particularly in games like racquetball, squash, or paintball, where a specific shot ends the match or secures a decisive point. It may also be used in a figurative sense to describe a critical move that ends a competition or conflict.

He made a perfect kill shot to win the racquetball match.
The team's strategy was like a kill shot to their opponents.

winning shot

This term is used to describe the shot that ultimately secures the victory in a game or match. It implies that this particular shot directly leads to the win.

He made the winning shot just as the buzzer rang.
Her winning shot clinched the championship for the team.

decisive shot

This phrase is generally used when referring to any shot that plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a game or match. It indicates a moment of significant impact but does not necessarily imply the end of the game.

Her decisive shot from the three-point line gave the team an edge.
The decisive shot in the match shifted the momentum in their favor.

Examples of usage

He executed a perfect kill shot in the final moments of the match.
The kill shot secured the team's victory.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In movies and video games, a 'kill shot' often refers to the final blow that defeats a villain or enemy, showcasing the skill of heroes or anti-heroes.
The phrase became more popular with the rise of action films in the late 20th century, emphasizing precision and decisiveness in combat.

Sports

In sports like archery and shooting, a 'kill shot' can also refer to a perfect shot aimed at hitting the target that leads to victory.
Athletes strive for the definitive moment known as a 'kill shot' where they can clinch the game with one perfect play.

Psychology

The concept of a 'kill shot' can apply in situations requiring quick decision-making, where one decisive action can lead to a significant outcome or resolution.
It highlights the human tendency to seek closure through definitive actions, often seen during stressful or critical moments.

History

Historically, the term has been used in military strategies, emphasizing the importance of striking decisively to achieve strategic goals.
Famous military operations often involved a 'kill shot' approach, where targeting key enemy figures or resources led to swift and impactful results.

Origin of 'kill shot'

Main points about word origin

The term 'kill shot' combines 'kill', which comes from Old English meaning 'to cause to die', with 'shot', which relates to an action or attempt, often associated with shooting.
It originally gained traction in contexts of hunting and military, where a precise shot could lead to the swift end of an animal or target.

The term 'kill shot' originated in the context of warfare, where it referred to a shot that would kill or incapacitate an enemy. Over time, the term has also been adopted in sports such as volleyball and squash to describe a powerful and strategically placed shot. The concept of a 'kill shot' embodies the idea of decisiveness and finality in achieving a desired outcome.