1. To dart, extend, project, or thrust outward very quickly. The lizard's sticky tongue shot out from its mouth and snatched the unsuspecting bug. After activating the machine, a beam of light began shooting out an opening near the central power unit. I had barely opened the door when three small dogs suddenly shot out into the front yard.

2. To extend, project, emit, or thrust something outward very quickly. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "shoot" and "out." I asked if anyone wanted a piece of candy, and all the children shot their hands out toward me. The exhaust pipe shot out a plume of noxious fumes.

3. To disable or destroy something by firing at it with a gun. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "shoot" and "out." We'll have to shoot the searchlights out around the building before we can attempt to break in. The gangster shot out the lock and barged his way into the office.

4. To enter into a gunfight with someone or some group of people. Usually used in the form "shoot it out." I had a feeling there's be no way around shooting it out with the rebel soldiers. The police were forced to shoot it out with the bank robbers.