¹target

noun, tar·get often attributive \ˈtär-gət\

: something that you are trying to do or achieve

: a place, thing, or person at which an attack is aimed

: the person or group that someone is trying to influence, sell something to, etc.

Full Definition of TARGET

: a small round shield

a : a mark to shoot at

b : a target marked by shots fired at it

c : something or someone fired at or marked for attack

d : a goal to be achieved

a : an object of ridicule or criticism

b : something or someone to be affected by an action or development

a : the metallic surface (as of platinum or tungsten) upon which the stream of electrons within an X-ray tube is focused and from which the X-rays are emitted

b : a body, surface, or material bombarded with nuclear particles or electrons; especially : fluorescent material on which desired visual effects are produced in electronic devices (as in radar)

— off target

: not valid : inaccurate

— on target

: precisely correct or valid especially in interpreting or addressing a problem or vital issue

See target defined for English-language learners

See target defined for kids

Origin of TARGET

Middle English, from Middle French targette, targuete, diminutive of targe light shield, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Norse targa shield

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TARGET

Synonyms: butt, mark, prey, sitting duck, victim

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

Rhymes with TARGET

argot

²target

transitive verb

: to aim an attack at someone or something

: to direct an action, message, etc., at someone or something

Full Definition of TARGET

: to make a target of <targeted her for promotion>; especially : to set as a goal

: to direct or use toward a target

First Known Use of TARGET

1837

TARGET Defined for Kids

target

noun tar·get \ˈtär-gət\

Definition of TARGET for Kids

: a mark or object to shoot at or attack

: a person or thing that is talked about, criticized, or laughed at

: a goal to be reached <Her target is to lose ten pounds by summer.>

Medical Dictionary

target

noun tar·get \ˈtär-gət\

Medical Definition of TARGET

: something to be affected by an action or development; specifically : an organ, part, or tissue that is affected by the action of a hormone

a : the metallic surface usually of platinum or tungsten upon which the stream of electrons within an X-ray tube is focused and from which the X-rays are emitted b : a body, surface, or material bombarded with nuclear particles or electrons

: the thought or object that is to be recognized (as by telepathy) or affected (as by psychokinesis) in a parapsychological experiment