Shoot at Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shoot at

[ʃuːt æt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To discharge a missile from a weapon.

Synonyms

aim, blast, fire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shoot at	Use when describing the act of directing a shot or projectile towards a target. This phrase can convey intent or action without necessarily hitting the target. He tried to shoot at the target but missed. The soldiers were ordered to shoot at the enemy positions.
fire	Commonly used to describe the action of discharging a weapon. It can involve multiple shots and is often used in military contexts. The captain ordered his troops to fire at will. She fired the gun and hit the target on the first try.
blast	Typically describes a powerful and explosive discharge. Often associated with loud noise and significant impact, frequently used with negative connotations. The demolition team blasted the old building. He blasted his opponent with a powerful shot.
aim	Focuses on the preparation or intent to direct a weapon or object towards a target, but does not imply the act of firing. She took a deep breath and aimed carefully. He aimed the arrow at the bullseye.

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2 | Verb}

conversation

To criticize or attack someone verbally.

Synonyms

censure, condemn, criticize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shoot at	This expression is used literally when firing a weapon towards a target or metaphorically to imply verbal or written attack. It often carries a hostile or aggressive connotation. The soldier had to shoot at the enemy to defend himself. In his speech, he seemed to shoot at his political opponents.
criticize	This word is used in a general sense to point out faults or provide a negative evaluation. It can be constructive but often carries a less severe tone compared to 'condemn'. She tends to criticize her own work too harshly. The manager criticized the team's performance in the last quarter.
condemn	Use this word when expressing strong disapproval, often for moral reasons. It can carry a very heavy and serious tone. The leader did not hesitate to condemn the acts of terrorism. The community condemned the company's exploitation of workers.
censure	This term refers to formal disapproval or criticism, often in an official capacity. It is typically used in institutional or organizational contexts. The committee moved to censure the senator for unethical conduct. The teacher faced censure from the school board for her remarks.

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

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

The phrase often appears in action movies and video games, where characters routinely take aim at enemies.
Popular music titles, like 'Shoot Me Down,' metaphorically use the phrase to express vulnerability and resilience.
In sports, shooting at a target is central to games like archery and basketball, where accuracy is key.

Psychology

The act of 'shooting at' has been linked to competitive instincts and adrenaline rushes during high-pressure scenarios.
Research indicates that context influences how people perceive the act of aiming; it can be seen as aggressive or playful.
Players often develop a psychological flow state when engaging in shooting games, driven by the focus required.

Technology

In photography, 'shooting' refers to taking pictures, while 'shooting at' targets is fundamental in developing focus and framing.
Drones equipped with cameras are often programmed to 'shoot at' specified targets to capture specific imagery from above.
In gaming, various mechanics allow players to 'shoot at' opponents or objects, utilizing advanced algorithms for trajectory calculations.

History

Historically, archery was a primary skill for hunting and warfare, where shooting at a target was essential for survival.
The development of firearms shifted the dynamics of wars and hunting, emphasizing the importance of accuracy when shooting at foes.
In medieval times, the practice of shooting at targets became a popular sport, leading to competitions still enjoyed today.

Origin of 'shoot at'

Main points about word origin

The word 'shoot' comes from the Old English word 'sceotan,' meaning to throw or let fly.
In the context of firearms, 'to shoot' has been used since the 14th century to describe discharging a projectile.
The phrase 'shoot at' emphasizes the action of aiming, making it clear that an intent to hit is involved.

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.