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Definition shoot in British English

shoot verb

verb
/ʃuːt/
1

to fire a gun

Example

We were ordered not to shoot until he gave the signal.

Example

They were shooting at bottles on a wall.

Example

Armed officers had instructions to shoot the kidnapper on sight.

Example

It's not clear whether they were shooting to kill.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

used about other weapons that fire things, for example a bow and arrow

Synonyms and related words
1.2

to hit someone or something with a bullet from a gun

Example

The man was shot in the head as he left the bar.

Example

Two of our officers were shot dead.

Example

The victim had been shot at close range.

Synonyms and related words
1.3

to hunt animals using guns, or to fire guns for pleasure

Synonyms and related words
2

in sport, to throw or kick a ball in an attempt to score points

Example

He shot the ball straight at the goalkeeper.

Example

We were all shouting for him to shoot.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

in golf, to get a particular score

Example

He shot a 68 in yesterday's competition.

Synonyms and related words
2.2

to play a particular sport

Example

The kids were in the yard shooting hoops.

Example

Let's go over to Harry's and shoot some pool.

Synonyms and related words
3

to move very suddenly and quickly

Example

The car shot across the road at high speed.

Example

They could see flames shooting into the air.

Synonyms and related words
3.1

to move something quickly and suddenly

Example

She shot an arm out to catch it.

Synonyms and related words
3.2

to direct something somewhere suddenly or with a lot of force

Example

Journalists were shooting questions at us.

Example

I shot a nervous glance at my partner.

Synonyms and related words
3.3

to happen very suddenly and quickly

Example

The book has shot straight to the top of the bestseller list.

Example

an appearance that shot her to stardom overnight

Synonyms and related words
4

to take photographs, or to make a film or video

Example

All the outdoor scenes were shot on location in Wales.

Synonyms and related words
Definition shoot in British English