Shootout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shootout
[ˈʃuːtaʊt ]
Definitions
sports competition
A shootout is a method of breaking a tie in competitive sports. It typically involves a series of penalty shots alternated between the two teams until one team scores and the other does not.
Synonyms
overtime, penalty shootout, tiebreaker.
Examples of usage
- The game was decided in a shootout after a scoreless draw.
- The striker missed his shot during the shootout.
- The shootout rule adds drama to the final moments of the game.
gun battle
In law enforcement or military context, a shootout refers to a gunfight between armed individuals or groups. These encounters can occur during criminal activities or armed confrontations with authorities.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The police engaged in a shootout with the armed suspect.
- Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots during the shootout.
- The shootout lasted several minutes before the area was secured.
Translations
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Origin of 'shootout'
The term 'shootout' originated in the early 20th century, with documented use in American Western movies and literature that depicted gunfights. The combination of 'shoot' and 'out' essentially conveys the action of 'shooting out' at another party, pulling from the era's popular imagery of duels and confrontations. Initially, it was used in the context of criminal interactions, reflecting the lawlessness of that time. As sports evolved, so did the application of 'shootout', becoming a recognized sporting term in the late 20th century, especially in hockey and soccer, where it was used to denote tie-breaking formats. The dual usage of the term continues to signify both criminal and sports-related contexts.