shoot-'em-up

[ shoot-uhm-uhp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a motion-picture or television program that emphasizes gunplay, action, and often violence.

shoot-'em-up

noun

1. a type of computer game, the object of which is to shoot as many enemies, targets, etc, as possible
2. a fast-moving film involving many gunfights, battles, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoot-'em-up¹

First recorded in 1945–50