Shoot Meaning
Shoot Definition & Usage
To propel a projectile, such as a bullet or a ball, using force, often from a weapon or a mechanical device.
Examples
- "He aimed and shot at the target."
- "She shot the ball into the hoop."
- "The soldier shot his rifle at the approaching enemy."
- "They were shooting arrows at the archery range."
- "I accidentally shot the glass with my slingshot."
To attempt or try something, often impulsively or without much planning.
Examples
- "I think I’ll shoot for that job in marketing."
- "Why don’t you shoot your shot and ask her out?"
- "He shot an email to the customer service team to complain."
- "Let’s shoot for a 5 PM meeting tomorrow."
- "I’ll shoot you a text when I arrive."
To take a photograph, especially in the context of capturing a subject or scene.
Examples
- "She shot a picture of the beautiful sunset."
- "He loves to shoot wildlife photos."
- "I shot a video of the concert last night."
- "They’re shooting a movie in our neighborhood."
- "I’m going to shoot some photos for my blog this weekend."
To attempt to score points by sending a ball or puck toward a goal or target.
Examples
- "He shot a penalty kick into the corner of the net."
- "The basketball player shot a three-pointer."
- "She shot an ace at the tennis match."
- "They shot several goals during the game."
- "The striker shot the ball past the goalkeeper."
To express or utter something quickly, often as an impulsive remark.
Examples
- "He shot back a quick reply."
- "She shot a sarcastic comment at him."
- "I couldn’t believe he shot me such a harsh look."
- "They shot insults at each other during the argument."
- "He shot off an angry text to his boss."
Cultural Context
The word 'shoot' has roots in the Old French word 'shoter', which came from the Latin 'scutare', meaning 'to throw'. It has evolved into multiple meanings over centuries, especially with its use in sports, weaponry, and photography. In recent decades, 'shoot' has gained widespread use in informal speech, particularly in contexts like 'shoot your shot' or 'shoot an email'.
The Shooting Star
Story
The Shooting Star
Lily had never been much of a risk-taker, but something about the way the stars sparkled in the night sky made her feel adventurous. She had always wanted to try archery, but she had never found the courage to pick up a bow. That evening, her best friend Mark challenged her to shoot for the bullseye in a friendly competition. Lily hesitated at first, but then she remembered what her father always told her: 'You’ll never know unless you shoot your shot.' With newfound confidence, she grabbed the bow and nocked the arrow. Her first shot sailed wide, missing the target by several feet. Mark chuckled, but Lily wasn’t discouraged. 'I’ll shoot again,' she said, a smile forming on her lips. This time, she aimed carefully and released. The arrow flew straight and true, landing right in the center of the target. 'Nice shot!' Mark exclaimed, high-fiving her. Feeling emboldened by her success, Lily asked Mark to take a picture of her with her bow and arrow, and he eagerly obliged, capturing her victory. As they sat together, the conversation drifted to other things they had 'shot' for in life—dreams, jobs, relationships—and Lily realized that this shooting game had taught her a valuable lesson. Sometimes, you just have to take the shot, no matter how uncertain you might be.
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