"Opened fire" is a term often used in news stories or accounts of violent encounters. It typically refers to when someone starts shooting a gun, either in a deliberate attack or in self-defense. Some synonyms for "opened fire" include "fired shots," "started shooting," "began to shoot," and "discharged a firearm." Other phrases that convey similar meaning include "let loose a hail of bullets," "unleashed a barrage of gunfire," and "went on a shooting spree." Regardless of the phrasing used, the act of "opening fire" is always a serious and potentially deadly event that can have life-changing consequences for everyone involved.