warning shot
Fired to deter
A warning shot is a gunshot fired to threaten or alert rather than to hit a target—typically aimed into the air or ground.
Figuratively, it's any preliminary action meant to signal serious intent: The lawsuit was a warning shot to competitors considering similar tactics.
A warning shot precedes real consequences if the warning goes unheeded.
Simultaneous firing burst
- salvoSimultaneous weapons discharge
- tracerPath-marking projectile
- blankWithout marks or content
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
gunfire · artillery · live-fire · ammunition · munition · flare · barrage · rifle
Sudden bright burst
- beaconGuiding light source
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- sirenWailing alert device
- alertWarning or watchfulness
notification · announcement · broadcast · heads-up · advisory · semaphore · signaling · flash
Reducing conflict intensity
- dissuasionConvincing someone not to
- restraintControl over impulses
- ceasefireAgreed halt to fighting
- containmentPreventing hostile expansion
standoff · buffer · peacekeeping · nonproliferation · sanctions · embargo · moratorium · armistice
Indication of potential harm
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- bluffCalculated false front
- scare tacticIntimidation as persuasion
- power playStrategic leverage attempt
strong-arm · fearmongering · dominance · pressure · bullying · psychological warfare · show of force · ultimatum
Progressive increase in intensity
- provocationAct that triggers response
- hostilitiesActive armed fighting
- skirmishBrief, limited combat
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
engagement · tension · aggression · standoff · clash · firefight · adversary · enemy
volley
Simultaneous firing burst
discharge · gunfire · artillery · live-fire · ammunition · munition · flare · barrage · rifle · pistol
flare
Sudden bright burst
alert · notification · announcement · broadcast · heads-up · advisory · semaphore · signaling · flash · horn
de-escalation
Reducing conflict intensity
- dissuasionConvincing someone not to
- restraintControl over impulses
- ceasefireAgreed halt to fighting
containment · standoff · buffer · peacekeeping · nonproliferation · sanctions · embargo · moratorium · armistice · détente
threat
Indication of potential harm
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- bluffCalculated false front
- scare tacticIntimidation as persuasion
power play · strong-arm · fearmongering · dominance · pressure · bullying · psychological warfare · show of force · ultimatum · posturing
escalation
Progressive increase in intensity
- provocationAct that triggers response
- hostilitiesActive armed fighting
- skirmishBrief, limited combat
confrontation · engagement · tension · aggression · standoff · clash · firefight · adversary · enemy · battlefield
- anti-piracynaval patrol, naval patrols, escort mission, hostage rescue, warships
- riot controlriot police, riot gear, riot shield, tear gas, water cannon
- combat idiomsstab in the back, dodge a bullet, in the crosshairs, fire away, under the gun
- intimidationthreats, threatening, menacing, intimidate, bullying
- shotsgunshot, B-52, Jagerbomb, Kamikaze, lemon drop
- warningsalert, caution, danger, hazard symbol, advisory
warning shotkill shot
Strike that terminates target
headshot · direct hit · coup de grâce · fatal shot · lethal force
warning shotfirst strike
Initiating combat unprovoked
preemptive strike · declaration of war · act of war · scorched earth · total war
warning shotdecisive action
Firm choice, promptly executed
direct action · final word · ambush · sneak attack · sucker punch
shot, shoot, warn, warning, warned, shooter, warns, forewarn, forewarning