Shot

Definition

The word "shot" commonly denotes (1) the discharge of a firearm or other projectile; (2) a single photograph or filmed frame; (3) a small measure of liquor; (4) an attempt or try at something (take a shot); (5) an injection of medicine (flu shot); and (6) the past tense and past participle of the verb "shoot."

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (past tense & past participle of “shoot”)
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ʃɑt/
• Respelling: SHAHT

British English

• IPA: /ʃɒt/
• Respelling: SHOT

Etymology

From Old English scot “a shot, missile; payment,” related to Proto‑Germanic *skutaną “to shoot.” Meanings expanded in Middle English to include “dose of drink” and “attempt.”

Derivatives

• Gunshot (noun)
• Snapshot (noun)
• Long‑shot (noun)
• Shot‑put (noun)

Synonyms

• Attempt
• Try
• Photograph
• Injection

Antonyms

• Miss (for the firing/attempt sense)
• Refusal (for the injection sense)

Usage

"Shot" spans contexts in sports, photography, medicine, and idioms. Examples: "He took the winning shot," "She captured a stunning shot of the sunset," "Let’s have a shot of espresso," and "I got my booster shot yesterday."

Related Terms

• Bullet: A projectile fired from a gun.
• Photograph: An image captured by a camera.
• Vaccine: A substance used to stimulate immunity.
• Shot‑put: A track‑and‑field throwing event.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of firing a projectile: Refers to a single discharge from a firearm or similar device.
  • Example: "The soldier fired one warning shot."
• A single photograph or filmed frame: Denotes one still image or camera sequence.
  • Example: "The director preferred a wide shot for the scene."
• A small measure of liquor or espresso: A standard serving, usually 1–1.5 fl oz (30–45 ml).
  • Example: "He ordered a shot of tequila."

Verb

• Past tense & past participle of “shoot”: Indicates that something was fired, propelled, or photographed.
  • Example: "She shot the video on her phone."

Adjective

• Worn‑out, damaged, or exhausted: Describes something no longer functional or in good condition.
  • Example: "The motor is completely shot."
• Interwoven or streaked with a contrasting color (textiles): Indicates fabric woven with different‑colored warp and weft threads.
  • Example: "She wore a shot silk dress shimmering purple and green."