Shot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shot

[ʃɒt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in sports

A hit, throw, or kick of the ball that is intended to score points.

Synonyms

attempt, effort, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shot	Use this word in sports, photography, or when trying to do something quickly. He took a quick shot at the goal She captured a beautiful shot of the sunset
attempt	This word is best used when making a try at something, often with the implication that success is not guaranteed. His first attempt at baking was a failure, but he didn't give up She made an attempt to speak French
strike	This word is used in sports or physical contexts, often where deliberate hitting is involved. It can also mean a work stoppage. He made a perfect strike in bowling The workers went on strike for better wages
effort	Use 'effort' when talking about the amount of work put into trying to do something. Her effort in the project was commendable It took a lot of effort to climb the mountain

Examples of usage

He took a shot at the goal but missed.
She made a perfect shot from the three-point line.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in photography

A photograph or sequence of frames in a movie.

Synonyms

image, photograph, picture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shot	Refers to a single frame or a short sequence in films or photography. It can also mean an attempt at doing something. The director wanted another shot of the sunset. He took a shot at hitting the target but missed.
photograph	Refers specifically to an image captured using a camera, typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts. He took a beautiful photograph of the mountains during his vacation. The photograph in the newspaper showed the event in great detail.
image	A general term for any visual representation, such as in art, digital graphics, or memory. Often used in technical or formal discussions. The software can analyze the image and identify objects within it. She had a vivid image of her childhood home in her mind.
picture	A broad and informal term for any kind of visual representation, including drawings, paintings, and photographs. She loves to draw pictures of animals. Can you take a picture of us with your phone?

Examples of usage

He captured a beautiful shot of the sunset.
The director called for another shot of the scene.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in medicine

An injection of a drug or vaccine.

Synonyms

injection, jab, vaccination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shot	This term is commonly used informally in American English when referring to any kind of injection, especially in casual conversations about medical treatment or immunization. I need to get my flu shot before winter. Did you get your tetanus shot after the accident?
injection	This word is typically used in a formal or medical context. It refers to the act of putting a liquid, usually a drug, into someone's body using a needle and syringe. The patient needed an injection of antibiotics to fight the infection. She has a fear of injections, so the nurse had to be very gentle.
vaccination	This term is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing immunization against diseases. It's more specific than 'shot' and usually refers to preventive healthcare. Vaccination against measles is important for children. She completed her series of vaccinations before traveling abroad.
jab	This term is mainly used in British English and is informal. It is often used when talking about vaccinations or simple medical injections. I went to the clinic for my COVID-19 jab. He didn't want to cry, but the jab was painful.

Examples of usage

The doctor gave him a flu shot.
She needed a tetanus shot after stepping on a rusty nail.

^{Context #4 | Verb}

informal

To inject a drug into one's body.

Synonyms

administer, inject, shoot up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shot	This word has been duplicated. Please refer to the first entry for its context and examples.
inject	Used in medical contexts to describe the act of forcing a liquid into the body using a needle and syringe. The doctor injected the patient with a painkiller Insulin needs to be injected regularly by diabetes patients
shoot up	Informal and commonly associated with drug use, particularly with negative connotations involving illegal drug injection. He was caught in the alley trying to shoot up She had a turbulent past, often shooting up with friends
administer	Commonly used in formal or medical contexts to describe the act of giving a medication or treatment to a patient. The nurse administered the anesthesia before the surgery The doctor will administer the vaccine in the clinic

Examples of usage

He shot up heroin in the alley.
She shot herself with insulin to manage her diabetes.

Translations

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

Origin of 'shot'

The word 'shot' has a long history, originating from Old English 'sceot', meaning a missile or projectile. Over time, its meanings have expanded to include various contexts such as sports, photography, and medicine. The verb form 'to shoot' also has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century. Today, 'shot' is commonly used in everyday language to refer to a wide range of actions and objects.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,963, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1960 clean
1961 fellow
1962 seed
1963 shot
1964 repeated
1965 resulted
1966 spot
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