shoot-'em-up

American  

[shoot-uhm-uhp] / ˈʃɒɒt əmˌʌp /

noun

Informal.

1. a motion-picture or television program that emphasizes gunplay, action, and often violence.

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shoot-'em-up British  

noun

1. a type of computer game, the object of which is to shoot as many enemies, targets, etc, as possible

2. a fast-moving film involving many gunfights, battles, etc

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Etymology

Origin of shoot-'em-up

First recorded in 1945–50

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shoot-'em-up

The Galacticoaster is the centerpiece of Lego Galaxy, which also includes two smaller outdoor attractions, a vintage-style shoot-’em-up video game and a play area for little ones.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2026

“I guess I’m happier they are playing chess rather than some shoot-’em-up game.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 15, 2023

It's a brawny tale attempting to imbue its shoot-'em-up action with brains and, if not a soul, then an intriguing level of artificial intelligence.

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2022

The debate over whether or not “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie has been ongoing since the movie first came out in July 1988 with plenty of holiday allusions to contrast with the shoot-’em-up heroics.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 18, 2021

In her case, she was able to show that young people playing off-the-shelf, shoot-’em-up video games showed an improved capacity to sustain attention, even after the game was over.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

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