Shooting: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.