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Shooting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shooting

[ˈʃuːtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sport

The act or process of firing a gun or other weapon.

Synonyms

firing, gunfire, shelling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shooting

General term for the act of discharging a firearm; can be used in various contexts, such as sports, crime, or emergencies.

  • The police arrived quickly after the shooting was reported
  • They are practicing shooting at the range
firing

Often refers to the act of discharging a firearm or weapon, particularly in a military or combat context; can also mean the act of terminating someone's employment (context dependent).

  • The soldiers were firing at the enemy forces
  • Unfortunately, there will be some employee firing next week
gunfire

Specifically refers to the sound or action of guns being shot; generally used in the context of combat or violence.

  • We heard gunfire in the distance, which made us feel uneasy
  • The gunfire echoed through the deserted streets
shelling

Refers to the bombardment of an area with artillery shells; used predominantly in military or warfare contexts.

  • The city was under heavy shelling throughout the night
  • Many buildings were destroyed due to the shelling

Examples of usage

  • The shooting competition was intense.
  • She is a pro at shooting targets.
Context #2 | Noun

crime

The act of firing a gun at someone with intent to kill or harm.

Synonyms

firearm attack, gun violence, gunshot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shooting

This term is generally used to describe an incident where someone uses a gun to shoot at others. It is a common word in news reports and everyday conversations when referring to single or multiple events involving the discharge of a firearm.

  • There was a shooting at the mall last night
  • The police are investigating the shooting in the park
gunshot

This word specifically refers to the sound or act of a gun firing a bullet. It is commonly used in more immediate or descriptive contexts, often as part of a larger event or scene.

  • She heard a gunshot and immediately called the police
  • The detective found a bullet near the site of the gunshot
firearm attack

This phrase is more formal and is often used in official reports or articles to describe an incident where a person or group used firearms to attack others. It gives a sense of a planned and targeted assault.

  • The report highlighted an increase in firearm attacks over the past year
  • The victims of the firearm attack were taken to the hospital
gun violence

This term is used to discuss the broader issue of violence involving guns. It is often used in discussions about public policy, societal issues, and statistics. It has a negative connotation as it emphasizes the harmful aspect of guns.

  • Efforts to reduce gun violence are critical for community safety
  • Gun violence has been a growing concern for many urban areas

Examples of usage

  • The shooting in the alley was reported to the police.
  • The victim survived the shooting.
Context #3 | Noun

photography

The process of capturing images or videos with a camera.

Synonyms

capturing, filming, photography.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shooting

Use when referring to the act of capturing images or videos, either for professional or personal purposes. Can also be associated with sports like hunting or shooting sports, but can have a negative connotation related to gun violence.

  • They were shooting a new action movie in the city.
  • Shooting is not allowed in this wildlife reserve.
photography

Use when referring to the practice or art of taking and processing photographs. Typically relates to still images rather than moving pictures.

  • He has a keen interest in wildlife photography.
  • Her photography portfolio includes stunning landscapes and portraits.
filming

Best used when discussing the process of making a movie, documentary, or video content. It usually implies a more structured or professional setting.

  • The crew is filming a documentary about climate change.
  • She spent the entire summer filming her travel adventures.
capturing

Appropriate when emphasizing the act of obtaining or recording images, emotions, or moments. Often used in a more poetic or figurative sense.

  • He succeeded in capturing the essence of the festival with his photography.
  • The artist captured her smile perfectly in the portrait.

Examples of usage

  • She is interested in shooting nature photography.
  • The shooting of the film took place in a remote location.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • Shooting has been a central theme in many films and television shows, often representing conflict or action.
  • In art, shooting is depicted in various forms, showcasing action and emotion, as seen in works by artists like Edward Hopper.

Sports

  • In sports like basketball, the term 'shooting' refers to the act of trying to score by throwing the ball into the hoop.
  • Archery is another sport where shooting accuracy is key, focusing on hitting a target with arrows.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that experiences related to violent shooting can lead to increased anxiety and stress in communities.
  • The phenomenon of 'shooting fatigue' has been studied, highlighting the emotional impact on those who are repeatedly exposed to violent events.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology have improved shooting accuracy with firearms through better sights and scopes.
  • In photography, shooting modes on cameras allow for fast capture of images, such as burst mode for quick sequences.

Origin of 'shooting'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'shoot' comes from the Old English word 'sceotan', which means to throw or let fly.
  • Originally, 'shooting' related mainly to throwing, but evolved to include the use of firearms in the 15th century.

The word 'shooting' has a long history, with its origin dating back to Old English. It originally referred to the act of hurling a missile, such as an arrow or a dart. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the act of firing a gun or other weapon. In modern usage, 'shooting' can refer to various contexts, including sport, crime, and photography.

See also: offshoot, reshoot, shoot, shooter, shootist, shoots, shot, undershoot, undershooting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,789, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.