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

In the meantime, communities continue to face down active shooters while waiting hours or days for troopers to arrive.

From ProPublica

In the initial moments, people feared an active shooter was among them.

From Washington Post

As part of their training, the security companies are primed on how to deal with all kinds of situations including responding to an active shooter.

From Washington Blade

“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