An active shooter is a term used to describe an individual or individuals who are actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a public place. This term became more prevalent in the United States after a series of mass shootings in the early 2000s.
Definitions
The Department of Homeland Security defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.”
The FBI defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.”
Origin
The term “active shooter” originated in the United States in the early 2000s. It became more prevalent after a series of mass shootings, including the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 and the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Merriam-Webster defines an active shooter as “a person who is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a public place.”
Oxford Languages defines an active shooter as “a person who is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a public place, typically using firearms.”
Associations
The term active shooter is often associated with mass shootings in public places, such as schools, malls, and workplaces.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for active shooter include mass shooter, rampage shooter, and spree killer.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for active shooter, as it describes a specific type of violent individual.
The same root words
The root words of active shooter are “active” and “shooter.”
Active means engaged in physical activity or motion, while shooter refers to a person who fires a gun or other weapon.
Example Sentences
- The police responded quickly to reports of an active shooter at the mall.
- The school had an active shooter drill to prepare students and staff for a potential emergency.
- The gunman was identified as an active shooter after he opened fire in the workplace.