verb
snipe
SNYPE/snaɪp/
To fire at a target from concealment or distance.
The marksman snipes at the distant target from concealment.
Etymology
The bird name led to a verb associated with hunting snipe, which were challenging targets. Shooting individuals from concealment then became a figurative image for making sharp verbal attacks.
More examples
- Enemy troops sniped at the patrol from hidden positions.
- The marksman is sniping at distant targets on the range.
- They fear being sniped at as they cross the clearing.
Forms
snipe · snipes · sniped · sniping
sniper noun — Someone who shoots from concealment or distance.