English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word "shoot down" in English

What does "shoot down" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

shoot down

US /ʃuːt daʊn/
UK /ʃuːt daʊn/
"shoot down" picture

Phrasal Verb

1.

to cause to fall to the ground by shooting

Example:
•
The hunter managed to shoot down the bird.
•
They used anti-aircraft guns to shoot down the enemy planes.
Synonym:
downbring downtake downdestroyeliminate
2.

to reject or dismiss an idea or proposal, often abruptly or harshly

Example:
•
The committee decided to shoot down his proposal without much discussion.
•
She tends to shoot down any new ideas I come up with.
Synonym:
rejectdismissvetoturn downsquashnixscuttletorpedoquashdisapprove
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Related Word:
shootingshootshoot upshooting guardtrap shootingshoot offshoot through