Shoot-out Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shoot-out

[ˈʃuːtˌaʊt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sport

A shoot-out is a method used to determine the winner of a tied game, typically in sports such as soccer or hockey. It involves players taking turns to shoot at the goal to score, with the team scoring the most goals declared the winner.

Synonyms

penalty shootout, sudden death.

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Word Description / Examples
shoot-out

Sudden death refers to a situation where the first team or player to score wins instantly. This can be used in various sports and games, not limited to just soccer or hockey.

  • The match went into sudden death, and the first goal won it all.
  • In sudden death, every move counts more than ever.
penalty shootout

A penalty shootout is specifically used in soccer to determine the winner when the game ends in a tie after regular and extra time. Each team takes a set number of penalty kicks.

  • The World Cup final was decided by a penalty shootout.
  • He scored the winning goal in the penalty shootout.

Examples of usage

  • The match ended in a dramatic shoot-out, with both teams scoring four goals each.
  • If the game is still tied after extra time, it will go to a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'shoot-out' originated in the American Old West during the late 19th century, referring to gunfights between cowboys.
  • Famous shoot-outs, like the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, made the term popular in American folklore.
  • Initially, it described any violent confrontation but became more specific to those involving firearms.

Pop Culture

  • Shoot-outs are staples in action movies and westerns, often serving as climactic scenes to engage audiences.
  • Video games, especially in the first-person shooter genre, employ 'shoot-out' scenarios that simulate these confrontations.
  • Iconic films like 'Django Unchained' and 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' feature memorable shoot-outs that have influenced cinematic style.

Sports

  • In sports like soccer and hockey, a 'shoot-out' refers to a tiebreaker where players take turns trying to score.
  • The concept of a shoot-out became widespread in professional leagues in the late 20th century as a way to determine winners after ties.
  • Players often train specifically for shoot-out scenarios, honing skills under pressure.

Psychology

  • Shoot-outs, in both real life and media, can lead to psychological effects on witnesses and participants, often including trauma.
  • The dramatization of shoot-outs in media can desensitize audiences to the violence depicted, raising ethical questions.
  • Studies show that high-stress environments, like those in shoot-outs, trigger fight-or-flight responses, affecting decision-making.

Legal Aspects

  • Shoot-outs can lead to serious legal consequences, with laws varying widely depending on the jurisdiction.
  • Self-defense claims in cases of shoot-outs require clear evidence that the individual faced a real threat.
  • Cases involving shoot-outs often lead to discussions on gun control and public safety policies.

Origin of 'shoot-out'

The term 'shoot-out' originated in the world of sports, particularly in games like soccer and hockey where tied matches needed a decisive winner. It has since become a common method of determining winners in various competitive sports, adding excitement and tension to the final moments of a game.