shoot down - Definition & Meaning

shoot down

Third Person

shoots down

Present Participle

shooting down

Past Tense

shot down

Past Participle

shot down

to fire upon an aircraft or another object with the intent of bringing it to the ground

transitive

The military had to shoot the enemy aircraft down to protect the airspace.
The fighter jets were ordered to shoot down the incoming missiles.
Please shoot the hostile drone down before it reaches the sensitive area.
The pilot managed to evade attempts to shoot his plane down during the dogfight.
Authorities decided to shoot down the unauthorized drone near the airport.

Synonyms:

to prevent the progress of something

transitive

The committee's decision to shoot down the project disappointed many stakeholders.
Efforts to shoot down the legislation were unsuccessful, and it passed unanimously.
The critics attempted to shoot down the initiative, but it gained widespread support.
The opposition managed to shoot the proposal down during the meeting.
They tried to shoot down the new policy in the debate.

Synonyms:

to be too harsh on someone just to prove that their ideas are wrong or stupid

transitive

The opposition tried to shoot down the candidate's reputation with negative campaigning.
The online community can be harsh, with individuals quick to shoot down anyone expressing unconventional opinions.
In the competitive business world, rivals often try to shoot down each other's success through negative press.
The tabloid magazine published an article attempting to shoot down the actor's public image with scandalous rumors.
During the debate, opponents tried to shoot down the candidate's stance on economic policies.

to swiftly and forcefully travel in a particular direction

transitive

Synonyms: