active shooter

[ ak-tiv shoo-ter ]

noun

1. a person who is presently using a gun to shoot people in a confined and populated area.

Word History and Origins

Origin of active shooter¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“We practice what we call active shooter response,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

“These are what we call ‘active shooter’ situations,” Billy said.

From The Daily Beast

Fifteen minutes later, you get called about another active shooter scenario in another part of the city.

From The Daily Beast