shoot-up

[ shoot-uhp ]

noun

, Slang.

1. an act or instance of injecting an addictive drug intravenously.
2. shootout ( def 1 ).

shoot up

verb

1. intr to grow or become taller very fast
2. tr to hit with a number of shots
3. tr to spread terror throughout (a place) by lawless and wanton shooting
4. slang.
   tr to inject (someone, esp oneself) with (a drug, esp heroin)

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoot-up¹

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of verb phrase shoot up

Example Sentences

In August 2019, Young and another man shouted “white power” at XS Nightclub at Encore in Las Vegas and threatened to “shoot up the place,” according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

From Los Angeles Times

Those threats included one to shoot up a school.

From Slate

In the report, a deputy described the boy as "reserved" and "calm" and said he "assured me he never made any threats to shoot up any school".

From BBC

The first time you shoot up or the first time you take a shot at a rival gang – that’s despair.

From Salon

Birth rates under Ceauşescu did initially shoot up, at least until women inevitably figured out how to get around the system.

From Slate

Related Words

• cover
• develop
• draw
• expand
• fill
• go
• grow
• lengthen
• open
• pull
• reach
• run
• span
• spread
• strain
• swell
• unfold
• widen