Sniping

Sniping is the act of shooting at someone from a concealed position, often at a considerable distance. It involves skill, stealth, and patience, aiming to target specific individuals or objectives with a high degree of accuracy. The term can also extend metaphorically to mean making critical or hostile remarks, often indirectly and from a position of safety, resembling a sharpshooter targeting their prey. This kind of sniping aims to undermine or discredit a target through words rather than bullets. The successful execution of a sniping operation requires thorough planning, knowledge of the terrain, and precise execution.

Sniping meaning with examples

• During the war, enemy snipers positioned themselves in the ruins, picking off soldiers one by one. The sniper's accuracy was devastating, causing significant casualties amongst the advancing troops. The regiment was pinned down, unable to move without risking becoming the next victim. Their fear was palpable.
• The environmental group accused the corporation of "sniping" at their proposals, quietly working behind the scenes to undermine their efforts to protect endangered species. Their lobbyists employed tactics that directly targeted their proposed legislation. The conservation efforts hit a major road block.
• The online forum was filled with users sniping at each other, exchanging sarcastic comments and personal insults. The moderator tried to keep the peace. It was a virtual battlefield. The heated arguments kept going on for days.
• The police sniper was called in to neutralize a hostage situation. The well-trained marksman had a split-second decision to make in order to save the victim. The sniper's calculated shot was the only way out.
• Political commentators engaged in a constant cycle of sniping, each attempting to damage the other's reputation through carefully worded attacks, creating a harsh media presence. Their aim was to persuade. Truthfulness didn't matter, but the damage was done.