warning shot
A 'warning shot' is often used to signal caution or deter potential threats without causing harm.
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Definition
C1Military
(technical, self-defense)A round fired intentionally to miss, used to signal a threat or deterrent.
Example
- The soldier fired a warning shot to deter the approaching vehicle.
C1Law
(legal, self-defense)An action involving the discharge of a firearm to signal readiness to use deadly force.
Example
- The homeowner fired a warning shot to scare off the intruder.
B2Communication
(figurative)An action or statement intended to alert someone to potential danger or the need for caution.
Example
- The manager's email served as a warning shot to the team about upcoming changes.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "warning shot":
shots firedshot outpot shotshoot offstarting gunfire offno shotdog shotwarning trackshoot backfiring pointwarning bellshot in the armshoot outdry fireshot heard round the worldwarning signlong shotbody shotcheap shotfire awaywrist shotshot put