shot
UK: ʃɒt | US: ʃɑːt
n. 1. The act of firing a projectile (e.g., from a gun).
n. 2. A small amount of liquid, especially alcohol, drunk quickly.
n. 3. An attempt or try at something (e.g., "give it a shot").
vt. 1. Past tense and past participle of "shoot."
The word "shot" originates from Old English scēot, the past tense of scēotan ("to shoot"). It retains its core meaning of propulsion or discharge, later expanding metaphorically to include attempts ("take a shot") and small quantities (from the idea of a "measured discharge"). The alcohol sense likely derives from the rapid action of drinking, akin to firing a projectile.
He took a shot at the target and hit the bullseye.
She ordered a shot of whiskey at the bar.
It’s a long shot, but we might still win.
The photographer got the perfect shot of the sunset.
He was shot in the leg during the battle.