target

[tahr-git]

noun

1. an object, usually marked with concentric circles, to be aimed at in shooting practice or contests.

2. any object used for this purpose.

3. anything fired at.

4. a goal to be reached.

   Synonyms: purpose, end, aim

5. an object of abuse, scorn, derision, etc.; butt.

6. Fencing.,  the portion of a fencer's body where a touch can be scored.

7. a disk-shaped signal, as at a railroad switch, indicating the position of a switch.

8. Surveying.

   1. the sliding sight on a leveling rod.

   2. any marker on which sights are taken.

9. a small shield, usually round, carried by a foot soldier; buckler.

adjective

1. that is or may be a target or goal.

   The target group consisted of college graduates who earned more than $50,000 a year.

verb (used with object)

1. to use, set up, or designate as a target or goal.

2. to direct toward a target.

   The new warheads can be targeted with great precision.

3. to make a target of (an object, person, city, etc.) for attack or bombardment.

verb phrase

1. target (in) on,  to establish or use as a target or goal.

   The club is targeting on September for the move to larger quarters.

target

/ ˈtɑːɡɪt /

noun

1. 1. an object or area at which an archer or marksman aims, usually a round flat surface marked with concentric rings

   2. ( as modifier )

      target practice

2. 1. any point or area aimed at; the object of an attack or a takeover bid

   2. ( as modifier )

      target area

      target company

3. a fixed goal or objective

   the target for the appeal is £10 000

4. a person or thing at which an action or remark is directed or the object of a person's feelings

   a target for the teacher's sarcasm

5. a joint of lamb consisting of the breast and neck

6. surveying a marker on which sights are taken, such as the sliding marker on a levelling staff

7. (formerly) a small round shield

8. physics electronics

   1. a substance, object, or system subjected to bombardment by electrons or other particles, or to irradiation

   2. an electrode in a television camera tube whose surface, on which image information is stored, is scanned by the electron beam

9. electronics an object to be detected by the reflection of a radar or sonar signal, etc

10. on the correct course to meet a target or objective

verb

1. to make a target of

2. to direct or aim

   to target benefits at those most in need

Other Word Forms

• targetless adjective
• targetable adjective
• untargetable adjective
• untargeted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of target¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun, from Middle French targuete, variant of targete “small shield” targe, -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of target¹

C14: from Old French targette a little shield, from Old French _targe

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on target,

   1. properly aimed or on the right course toward a target.

   2. accurate, correct, or valid.

      Their description of the event was on target.

   3. filling or meeting a requirement or expectations.

      The amount of supplies we took was right on target.

see on target; sitting duck (target).

Example Sentences

“We did have prior intelligence that there were targets that we were interested in and around that Home Depot, as well as other targeted enforcement packages in and around the Sacramento area.”

From Los Angeles Times

Legally designating a gang or cartel as a terrorist entity ostensibly gives the president greater legal cover to conduct lethal strikes on targets.

From Los Angeles Times

"If some troops appear there," the Russian president said, "especially now while the fighting's going on, we proceed from the premise that these will be legitimate targets for destruction."

From BBC

Another ban targets adverts on platforms linked to "extremist" organisations, in effect ending advertising on Instagram which many small businesses had relied on as a shopfront.

From BBC

They are targeting to have him pitch again early next week.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aim 
• goal 
• mark 
• object 
• objective