opened fire
Began to shoot
Opened fire means began shooting, typically with guns or artillery.
The phrase implies sustained or repeated firing rather than a single shot, and often suggests aggression or the start of combat: Police opened fire on the fleeing vehicle.
The soldiers opened fire without warning.
One can also open fire figuratively—launching a verbal attack or barrage of criticism.
- attackAggressive act against another
- bombardmentSustained projectile assault
- shootingDischarging a weapon
- warning shotIntentionally missed shot conveying threat
- firefightExchange of gunfire
minigun · engage · combat · rifleman · strafing · fusillade · onslaught · hostilities · ambush · salvo · blitzkrieg · clash · discharged · gunfire · violence · volley · blaze · crossfire
initiation vs. cessation of armed hostility
opened fireceasefire
Agreed halt to fighting
held fire · stood down · disengaged · withdrew · holstered
open, fire, opened, opening, opens, opener, openers, openness, reopen