target
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1tar·get
noun, often attributive \ˈtär-gət\Definition of TARGET
1
: a small round shield
2
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
3
a : an object of ridicule or criticism b : something or someone to be affected by an action or development
4
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 Examples of TARGET
- Our target amount for the fund-raiser is $2,500.
- They set a target date of May 31.
- Planes struck at key military targets.
- Tourists are often easy targets for thieves.
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
Rhymes with TARGET
2target
transitive verbDefinition of TARGET
1
: to make a target of <targeted her for promotion>; especially : to set as a goal
2
: to direct or use toward a target
Examples of TARGET
- drugs that target cancer cells
First Known Use of TARGET
1837
tar·get
noun \ˈtär-gət\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of TARGET
1
: something to be affected by an action or development; specifically : an organ, part, or tissue that is affected by the action of a hormone
2
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
3
: the thought or object that is to be recognized (as by telepathy) or affected (as by psychokinesis) in a parapsychological experiment
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