Pronunciation: [fˈa͡ɪ͡əd at] (IPA) 
The phrase "fired at" is spelled with the IPA transcription of /faɪərd æt/. The first syllable "fi" is pronounced with a diphthong /faɪ/ like in the word "fire". The second syllable "red" is pronounced as a short /ə/ sound followed by a voiced /d/ sound. The preposition "at" is pronounced with a short /æ/ sound and a voiceless /t/ sound. "Fired at" is a commonly used phrase indicating shooting at a target or person with a weapon.
The term "fired at" is a phrasal verb that consists of the verb "fire" and the preposition "at," often used to indicate the act of shooting projectiles or discharging a firearm towards a particular target or direction. Its definition implies the act of using a weapon, such as a gun, artillery, or missiles, to discharge ammunition directed towards a specific object, person, or area. The phrase typically denotes an intentional and directed discharge, suggesting a deliberate attempt to strike or hit the target with projectiles.
"Fired at" implies an aggressive act involving the use of force or weaponry, often in warfare, conflict, law enforcement, or self-defense situations. This term can apply to various contexts, such as armed encounters between military forces, police intervention during criminal incidents, or even recreational shooting activities like target practice.
It is worth noting that the term does not encompass the outcome or the success of the shot, rather focuses solely on the discharge of the weapon towards the target. Whether the projectile successfully reaches its intended target or not is not implied in the definition, as "fired at" simply describes the act of shooting or discharging with intent.
The word "fired at" is a combination of two components: "fired" and "at".
- "Fired" is the past participle form of the verb "fire", originating from the Old English term "fȳr", which meant "to supply or provide with fire". This meaning was later extended to include the act of discharging a weapon or igniting something.
- "At" is a preposition derived from the Old English word "æt", which originally meant "near" or "by".
When used together, "fired at" indicates the action of shooting or directing fire, projectiles, or weapons toward a specific target or location.
