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

The incident prompted officials in Southport to issue a statement urging people to remain in their homes while an active shooter investigation was ongoing.

From BBC

"There are more perils customers can buy coverage for, especially around the active shooter product, but also strikes and riots."

From BBC

"I got a knock on my door from one of our workers saying that there's an active shooter. I said, 'What? You're lying, you're joking'," she told the BBC over the phone on Tuesday night.

From BBC

Emory University posted at the time on social media: "Active shooter on Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point CVS. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT."

From BBC

A military base in the US state of Georgia is on lockdown as officials search for an active shooter.

From BBC