Definition of shoot up

The origin of the phrase "shoot up" can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it was first used as a military and hunting term. In this context, "shoot up" referred to the action of firing a weapon in a particular direction with the intention of hitting a target. During World War II, the term was adopted by soldiers to describe the rapid and dramatic increase in military activity in a particular area, such as when enemy troops suddenly appeared or launched a surprise attack. This usage became popular among soldiers and civilians alike after the war, and by the 1950s, "shoot up" was commonly used to describe a sudden escalation in violence or chaos, such as in a riot or conflict. As drug use became more prevalent in society, the phrase "shoot up" also came to be associated with the injection of illicit substances. This usage likely came about as a way of describing the rapid and intense experience of drug use, as well as the associated rapid climb in drug-seeking behavior and addiction.