shoot (shūt)

v., shot (shŏt), shoot·ing, shoots.

v.tr.

1. 1. To hit, wound, or kill with a missile fired from a weapon.
   2. To remove or destroy by firing or projecting a missile: shot out the window.
   3. To make (a hole, for example) by firing a weapon.
2. To fire or let fly (a missile) from a weapon.
3. 1. To discharge (a weapon).
   2. To detonate or cause to explode: shot off a firecracker.
4. To inject (a drug, for example) with a hypodermic syringe.
5. To throw out or release (a fishing line, for example).
6. 1. To send forth suddenly, intensely, or swiftly: The burning building shot sparks onto the adjacent roof. He shot an angry look at me.
   2. To emit (a ray or rays of light or another form of energy).
   3. To utter (sounds or words) forcefully, rapidly, or suddenly: She shot a retort to the insult.
   4. Slang. To give, send, or hand quickly: Shoot me that stapler.
7. Informal. To spend, use up, or waste: They shot their savings on a new boat.
8. To pass over or through swiftly: shooting the rapids.
9. To cover (country) in hunting for game.
10. To record on film: shot the scene in one take.
11. To cause to project or protrude; extend: shot out her arm to prevent the bottle from falling.
12. To begin to grow or produce; put forth.
13. To pour, empty out, or discharge down or as if down a chute: shot gravel into the hole.
14. Sports & Games.
    1. To throw or propel (a ball, marble, or other projectile in a game) in a specific direction or toward the objective.
    2. To accomplish (the objective) of a game involving a projectile; score (a point, basket, or goal).
    3. To play (a game involving projectiles, such as golf or pool).
    4. To attain (a given score) in golf.
    5. To play (a game involving dice, especially craps).
    6. To throw (the dice or a given score) in craps.
15. To slide (the bolt of a lock) into or out of its fastening.
16. To plane (the edge of a board) straight.
17. To variegate (colored cloth) by interweaving weft threads of a different color.
18. To measure the altitude of with a sextant or other instrument: shot the star.

v.intr.

1. To discharge a missile from a weapon.
2. To discharge or fire; go off.
3. 1. To gush or spurt: Water shot out of the geyser.
   2. To appear suddenly: The sun shot through a break in the clouds.
4. To move swiftly; dart.
5. To be felt moving or as if moving in the body: Pain shot through my lower leg.
6. To protrude; project: The headland shoots far out into the sea.
7. To engage in hunting or the firing of weapons, especially for sport: is shooting in Scotland during the fall.
8. To put forth new growth; germinate.
9. 1. To take pictures.
   2. To film a scene in a movie.
10. Sports & Games. To propel a ball or other object toward the goal or in a specific direction or manner.
11. Games. To throw dice.
12. Slang. To begin talking. Often used in the imperative: I know you have something to tell me, so shoot!
13. To slide into or out of a fastening. Used of the bolt of a lock.

n.

1. The motion or movement of something that is propelled, driven, or discharged.
2. 1. The young growth arising from a germinating seed; a sprout.
   2. A bud, young leaf, or other new growth on a plant.
3. A narrow, swift, or turbulent section of a stream.
4. 1. The act of discharging a weapon or letting fly a missile.
   2. Informal. The launching of a rocket or similar missile.
5. 1. An organized shooting activity, such as a skeet tournament or hunt.
   2. A round of shots in a contest with firearms.
6. A session in which something is photographed, filmed, or videotaped.
7. The distance a shot travels; the range.
8. Nautical. The interval between strokes in rowing.
9. A sharp twinge or spasm of pain.
10. An inclined channel for moving something; a chute.
11. A body of ore in a vein.

interj.
Used to express surprise, mild annoyance, or disappointment.

phrasal verbs:

shoot down

1. To bring down (an aircraft, for example) by hitting and damaging with gunfire or a missile.
2. Informal. To ruin the aspirations of; disappoint.
3. Informal.
   1. To put an end to; defeat: shot down the proposal.
   2. To expose as false; discredit: shot down his theory.

shoot for Informal. or at

1. To strive or aim for; have as a goal.

shoot up

1. Informal. To grow or get taller rapidly.
2. To increase dramatically in amount.
3. To riddle with bullets.
4. To damage or terrorize (a town, for example) by intense or random gunfire.
5. Slang. To inject a drug with a hypodermic syringe.

idioms:

shoot from the hip Slang.

1. To act or speak on a matter without forethought.

shoot off (one's) mouth (or face) Slang.

1. To speak indiscreetly.
2. To brag; boast.

shoot (one's) bolt Slang.

1. To do all within one's power; exhaust all of one's resources or capabilities.

shoot (one's) wad Slang.

1. To spend all of one's cash.
2. To use up all of one's energy or resources.

shoot straight

1. To talk or deal honestly.

shoot the breeze (or bull) Slang.

1. To spend time talking; talk idly.

shoot the works Informal.

1. To expend all of one's efforts or capital.

[Middle English shoten, from Old English scēotan. Interj., alteration of SHIT.]

shooter shoot'er n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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