cross fire

noun

Definition of cross fire

1a : firing (as in combat) from two or more points so that the lines of fire cross

b : a situation wherein the forces of opposing factions meet, cross, or clash caught in a political cross fire

2 : rapid or heated exchange of words

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Examples of cross fire in a Sentence

viewers tune in to witness the weekly cross fire between the liberal and conservative commentators

Recent Examples on the Web

With sirens wailing, police and event volunteers rushed to tend to those caught in the cross fire. — Robert Moran, Philly.com, "'Shots fired! Shots fired! … Everybody out!' Terror and chaos at Trenton arts festival," 27 June 2018 In 1993, Chery’s 15-year-old son was killed in the cross fire of a gang shootout on his way to attend a Teens Against Gang Violence meeting. — Jerome Campbell, BostonGlobe.com, "Mothers walk for peace through the city’s streets," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cross fire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near cross fire

cross-fertilize

cross-fingering

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The first known use of cross fire was in 1799

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