Definition of target
1a : a mark to shoot atb : a target marked by shots fired at itc : something or someone fired at or marked for attackd : a goal to be achieved
2a : an object of ridicule or criticismb : something or someone to be affected by an action or development
3a : 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 emittedb : 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)
4 : a small round shield
off target
: not valid : inaccurate
on target
: precisely correct or valid especially in interpreting or addressing a problem or vital issue
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Examples of target in a Sentence
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 and Etymology 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
target
Definition of target
transitive verb
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 in a Sentence
drugs that target cancer cells
1837
First Known Use of target
1837
TARGET Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of target for English Language Learners
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: something that you are trying to do or achieve
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: a place, thing, or person at which an attack is aimed
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: the person or group that someone is trying to influence, sell something to, etc.
target
Definition of target for English Language Learners
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: to aim an attack at someone or something
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: to direct an action, message, etc., at someone or something
TARGET Defined for Kids
target
playDefinition of target for Students
1 : a mark or object to shoot at or attack
2 : a person or thing that is talked about, criticized, or laughed at
3 : a goal to be reached Her target is to lose ten pounds by summer.
Medical Dictionary
target
playMedical 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
2a: 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 emittedb: 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
Law Dictionary
target
Legal Definition of target
: the object to be affected or achieved by an action or development; specifically : a company that is the object of a takeover
Learn More about target
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See words that rhyme with target Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for target Spanish Central: Translation of target Nglish: Translation of target for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of target for Arabic speakers
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