The phrase "opens fire" refers to the act of beginning to shoot a gun or weapon. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /ˈoʊpənz ˈfaɪər/. It is spelled "opens" with a silent "s" at the end, as it is derived from the verb "open." The "f" in "fire" is pronounced with a voiceless fricative sound in English, which is represented by the IPA symbol /f/. The "i" is pronounced with a long vowel sound, represented by the IPA symbol /aɪ/.
The term "opens fire" refers to the violent action of discharging firearms or weapons towards a particular target or area. It commonly denotes the initiation of an armed attack or aggressive act. When someone "opens fire," they are intentionally and deliberately shooting their firearms, often with the intention of causing harm, destruction, or to neutralize a perceived threat.
The phrase frequently implies a sudden and forceful action, usually involving a series of rapid shots or sustained bursts of gunfire. It can be observed in various contexts, such as military conflicts, law enforcement encounters, self-defense situations, or even criminal activities.
"Opening fire" can also describe the act of starting a shooting spree, typically in public places, where a person indiscriminately shoots at multiple individuals or a crowd, causing chaos and potential casualties.
The phrase is often used to convey a sense of danger, urgency, and escalating violence, arousing intense fear or concern among those targeted or witnesses. It highlights the highly volatile and life-threatening nature of armed confrontations, emphasizing the immediate threat posed by firearms and their destructive potential.
In brief, "opens fire" indicates the initiation of a deliberate and aggressive act of discharging firearms towards a specific target or in a widespread manner, typically resulting in dangerous or devastating consequences.
The phrase "opens fire" has its etymology in military terminology.
The word "open" in this context means to start or begin an action. It comes from the Old English word "opnian", meaning "to open" or "to disclose".
The word "fire" in this context refers to the act of discharging firearms or artillery. It comes from the Old English word "fȳr", which means "fire" or "burning".
When combined, the phrase "opens fire" was first used in the context of warfare, specifically to describe the action of initiating an attack by shooting or launching projectiles at the enemy. Over time, it has become a common expression used in various contexts beyond the military, such as reporting an act of aggression or starting an intense debate.