Shoot: meaning, definitions and examples

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shoot

[ʃuːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in sport

To kick, throw, or hit a ball or puck in an attempt to score a goal.

Synonyms

hit, kick, score, strike, throw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shoot	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.
score	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.
hit	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.
strike	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.
kick	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.
throw	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.

Examples of usage

He shoots, he scores!
She shot the ball past the goalkeeper.
The player shot a three-pointer from downtown.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

with a gun

To fire a gun or weapon.

Synonyms

blast, fire, gun down, shoot at.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shoot	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.
fire	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.
blast	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.
gun down	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.
shoot at	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.

Examples of usage

The police officer shot the suspect.
He shot a deer during hunting season.
She shot a clay pigeon at the shooting range.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

of a photo

A session of photographing a particular subject or scene.

Synonyms

photo session, photography, session, shoot-out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shoot	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.
photo session	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.
photography	Refers to the art, practice, or job of taking photographs. His main hobby is photography. She studied photography in college.
session	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.
shoot-out	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.

Examples of usage

I had a great shoot with a professional photographer.
The fashion shoot took place in a studio.
They organized a photo shoot for the magazine cover.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'shoot' comes from Old English 'sceotan', which meant to throw or to shoot an arrow.
In the 14th century, 'shoot' started to be used for firearms as guns became more common.
It originally described the action of sending an object swiftly in a particular direction.

Pop Culture

In movies, directors often say 'shoot!' to start filming a scene, making it a staple phrase in cinema.
In video games, 'shoot' is frequently used as a command for players to fire weapons.
'Shooting stars' are often seen as wishes and symbolize hope in various cultures.

Sports

In basketball, a 'shoot' refers to attempting to score points by throwing the ball into the basket.
In soccer, shoot describes the act of kicking the ball towards the goal with the intent to score.
The term 'shooting guard' is used in basketball for a player focused on scoring.

Science

The term ‘shoot’ refers to the part of a plant that grows above the ground, including stems and leaves.
In physics, shooting can describe the action of projectiles, analyzing their paths and impacts.
Certain bird species are known for their shooting abilities, using speed and precision to catch prey.

Slang and Informal Use

'Shoot!' is often used as an exclamation of frustration or surprise.
In informal conversations, 'shoot your shot' means to take a chance or attempt something, especially in dating.
The phrase 'shoot the breeze' refers to casual conversation or chatting without serious intent.

Translations

Translations of the word "shoot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atirar

disparar
fotografar

🇮🇳 गोली मारना

शूट करना
तस्वीर लेना

🇩🇪 schießen

🇮🇩 menembak

🇺🇦 стріляти

🇵🇱 strzelać

🇯🇵 撃つ (うつ)

🇫🇷 tirer

🇪🇸 disparar

🇹🇷 ateş etmek

🇰🇷 쏘다

🇸🇦 إطلاق النار

🇨🇿 střílet

🇸🇰 strieľať

🇨🇳 射击 (shèjī)

🇸🇮 streljati

🇮🇸 skjóta

🇰🇿 ату

🇬🇪 სროლა

🇦🇿 atəş açmaq

🇲🇽 disparar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,808, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4805 copyright
4806 glucose
4807 gasoline
4808 shoot
4809 pin
4810 encouragement
4811 toxic
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