Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To cause to fall by shooting: To hit a flying object (such as an aircraft, missile, or bird) with a projectile from a weapon, causing it to crash to the ground. 2. To kill by gunfire, especially in a ruthless manner: To murder someone by shooting them, often implying a sudden, unfair, or execution-style killing. 3. To reject or dismiss forcefully and decisively: To defeat an argument, proposal, or idea completely and authoritatively.

Usage Examples

• Verb (To cause to fall by shooting):
  • The military pilot managed to shoot down the enemy drone.
  • Anti-aircraft guns were used to shoot down the incoming missiles.
• Verb (To kill by gunfire):
  • The witness testified that he saw the soldiers shoot down unarmed civilians.
  • The gang members were accused of shooting down a rival in broad daylight.
• Verb (To reject or dismiss):
  • The committee shot down the proposed budget due to numerous flaws.
  • She shot down his excuses with undeniable facts.

Advanced Usage

• "to be shot down in flames": To have one's idea, proposal, or argument rejected in a very emphatic, humiliating, or definitive manner.
  • His suggestion to cut salaries was shot down in flames by the entire staff.

Variants and Related Words

• Shootdown (noun): The act or instance of shooting something down, especially an aircraft.
  • The shootdown of the spy plane caused an international incident.

Synonyms

• Bring down: To cause an aircraft to fall.
• Kill, gun down: To murder by shooting.
• Reject, veto, dismiss, quash: To refuse or put an end to an idea.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Shoot down [something]: This is the primary phrasal verb form for all meanings. The object (the thing or idea being shot down) can be placed between "shoot" and "down" or after "down."
  • They shot the plane down. / They shot down the plane.
  • He shot my proposal down immediately. / He shot down my proposal immediately.

Related Idioms

• "Don't shoot me down!": A figurative plea made before stating an opinion, asking the listener not to immediately and harshly criticize or reject it.
  • "Don't shoot me down, but I think we should try a completely different approach."

Noun

1. murder by shooting someone down in cold blood