target Hear it!

target Definition

tar·get (tär′git)

noun

  1. Historical a small shield, esp. a round one
    1. a round, flat board, straw coil, etc., often one marked with concentric circles, set up to be aimed at, as in archery or rifle practice
    2. any object that is shot at, thrown at, etc.
  3. an objective; goal
  4. someone or something that is the focus of attention, interest, etc.
  5. a ship, building, site, etc. that is the object of a military attack
  6. an object of verbal attack, criticism, or ridicule
  7. something resembling a target in shape or use; specif.,
    1. ☆ the sliding sight on a surveyor's leveling rod
    2. ☆ a disk-shaped signal on a railroad switch
    3. a metallic insert, usually of tungsten or molybdenum, in the anode of an X-ray tube, upon which the stream of cathode rays impinges and from which X-rays emanate
    4. a surface, object, etc. subjected to irradiation or to bombardment as by nuclear particles

Etymology: ME < MFr targette, dim. of targe, a shield < Frank *targa, akin to targe

transitive verb

to establish as a target, goal, etc.

target Idioms

on target

completely accurate; precise

target Synonyms

target

n.

  1. A goal

    objective, aim, purpose, end, destination, mark.

  2. Bull's-eye

    point, spot, butt, mark, dummy.

  3. A prey

    quarry, game, scapegoat; see victim 1, 2.

target Law Definition

n

The focus of an investigation, as in grand jury target; in corporate law, the focus of a takeover bid. 

target Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • meet: Discussions about whether we can meet the targets of the National Strategy prompted me to write the attached discussion paper.
  • set: The UK Energy White Paper sets a national target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 % by 2050.
  • achieve: The purpose of the PSA is to achieve enhanced performance targets than would otherwise be the case.
  • hit: What is the penalty for failure to hit the target?
  • exceed: You will be required to develop business to exceed sales targets whilst providing a high level of customer service.
  • agree: Meet the agreed target of 0.7 % of national income in overseas aid.

Subject

thief: Satellite navigation systems are again being targeted by thieves in Chase division.

Adjective modifier

  • ambitious: Despite the ambitious target program the Government had set itself for Part P, progress has been slow.
  • challenging: These centers have large budgets, staff from a wide range of professional backgrounds and challenging targets.
  • prime: It was a prime terror target, a magnet for anarchists, warned the press.
  • realistic: The aim of this consultation was to set challenging yet realistic targets for each area of our service in each local area.
  • intended: Fortunately not all of the assassins bullets hit their intended targets.
  • national: The UK Energy White Paper sets a national target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 % by 2050.

Modifies a noun

  • audience: A mooted move to a younger target audience may be discounted.
  • language: All language modules and some academic modules are taught in the target languages.

Noun used with modifier

  • inflation: Could an inflation target regime have been introduced earlier on in the 1980s, when the main arguments about the ERM were taking place?
  • attainment: Attainment target 2: Reading Level 1 Pupils recognize familiar words in simple texts.
  • recycling: For example, the ELV Directive will demand stringent recycling targets, which will be easier to attain with metal than with plastic.
  • reduction: The Government must commit itself to traffic reduction targets.

Preposition: by

thief: Satellite navigation systems are again being targeted by thieves in Chase division.