Shoot: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when propelling an object, usually a ball, towards a goal or target. Common in sports like basketball, soccer, and archery.

• He tried to shoot the ball into the net.
• She shoots arrows at the target.

The act of gaining points in a game or sport by completing a specific objective, such as making a goal or hitting a target.

• He scored the winning goal in the final minute.
• She scored the highest points in the competition.

Refers to making contact with a ball or object, often using a hand, bat, or stick. Common in sports like baseball, tennis, and golf.

• He hit the baseball out of the park.
• She hit the tennis ball with powerful force.

Can refer to hitting something firmly, or in bowling, where it means knocking down all the pins with one ball. Often has a powerful or decisive connotation.

• He struck the ball with great force.
• She scored a strike in bowling.

Specifically involves striking something with the foot. Used in sports like soccer and martial arts.

• He kicked the ball into the goal.
• She kicked the punching bag during training.

Involves propelling an object through the air with a hand. Common in sports like baseball, football, and track and field events.

• He threw the baseball to his teammate.
• She threw the javelin a great distance.

General term for using a firearm or weapon to discharge a projectile. Can be used in both literal and figurative senses.

• He learned how to shoot at a young age.
• She aimed carefully before she decided to shoot.

Formal term for discharging a firearm. Often used in military, law enforcement, or formal situations.

• The soldiers were ordered to fire at will.
• He fired three shots into the air.

Intense and sudden discharge, often associated with powerful weapons or explosions. Could be used metaphorically for loud sounds.

• The cannon blast echoed across the valley.
• The music was blasting from the speakers.

Violent and intentional shooting of a person, usually resulting in serious injury or death. Has a negative connotation.

• The robber was gunned down in a shootout with the police.
• The journalist was gunned down by unknown assailants.

Targeting and discharging a firearm or weapon towards a specified object or person.

• He tried to shoot at the moving target.
• The hunters were careful not to shoot at protected animals.

Informal setting referring to a photography session, typically involving a model or product.

• We have a shoot scheduled for tomorrow morning.
• She prepared her outfits for the photo shoot.

A more formal term used for a structured period of time arranged for taking photographs.

• The family enjoyed their annual photo session at the park.
• We booked a photo session with a professional photographer.

Refers to the art, practice, or job of taking photographs.

• His main hobby is photography.
• She studied photography in college.

A general term for a meeting or period devoted to a particular activity, which can be used for photography but applies more broadly.

• They had an intense workout session this morning.
• The planning session went smoothly.

Refers to a violent confrontation involving guns, or in sports, a decisive competition or contest. This has a negative or intense connotation when referring to violence.

• There was a dramatic shoot-out between the police and the robbers.
• The soccer match ended in a thrilling penalty shoot-out.