Shoot at: meaning, definitions and examples

🎯

Add to dictionary

shoot at

[ ʃuːt æt ]

^{Context #1}

action

To discharge a missile from a weapon.

Synonyms

aim, blast, fire

Examples of usage

He raised his gun and shot at the target.
The police officers shot at the suspect during the chase.

^{Context #2}

conversation

To criticize or attack someone verbally.

Synonyms

censure, condemn, criticize

Examples of usage

The journalist shot at the politician's policies during the interview.
She felt hurt when her colleague shot at her work ethic.

Translations

Translations of the word "shoot at" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atirar em

🇮🇳 पर गोली मारना

🇩🇪 schießen auf

🇮🇩 menembak pada

🇺🇦 стріляти в

🇵🇱 strzelać do

🇯🇵 に向かって撃つ

🇫🇷 tirer sur

🇪🇸 disparar a

🇹🇷 ateş etmek

🇰🇷 에 쏘다

🇸🇦 إطلاق النار على

🇨🇿 střílet na

🇸🇰 strieľať na

🇨🇳 射击

🇸🇮 streljati na

🇮🇸 skjóta á

🇰🇿 ату

🇬🇪 სროლა

🇦🇿 atəş açmaq

🇲🇽 disparar a

Word origin

The phrase 'shoot at' has origins in the Old English word 'sceotan', meaning 'to hurl missiles, discharge a weapon'. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass not only physical actions but also verbal criticisms. The use of 'shoot at' in a metaphorical sense dates back to the 18th century, where it became a common expression in both literal and figurative contexts.