—target /ˈtɑː.ɡɪt/ aep /ˈtɑːr-/
noun (PERSON/GROUP)
C2 [C usually singular] a person or a particular group of people that something is directed at, or that something is intended for:
» The target audience for the TV series are young people aged 13 to 18.Thesaurus+: ↑Getting, receiving and accepting , ↑Capturing or taking possession of thingsC1 [C usually singular] one or more people who are criticized or laughed at, or who experience unpleasant treatment from others:
» Recently she has been the target of a series of obscene phone calls.Thesaurus+: ↑Experiencing and sufferingWord partners for target noun (OBJECT SHOT AT)• ♯attack/♯hit/♯miss/♯strike a target• ♯identify a target• a ♯likely/♯possible/♯potential target• an ♯obvious/♯prime target• an ♯easy/♯soft target• the ♯intended target• a target ♯for sthWord partners for target noun (PERSON/GROUP)• ♯become a target• the ♯main/♯prime target• a target ♯for sth• the target ♯audience/♯group/♯marketWord partners for target noun (AIM)• ♯set a target• ♯achieve/♯meet/♯reach a target• a target ♯date/♯figure/♯price/♯weight• an ♯achievable/♯realistic/♯reasonable target• a target ♯of sth• a target ♯for sthCollocations:–Adjectives-lu. an easy target» Elderly people are easy targets for such thefts.-lu. a potential/obvious target» The couple are an obvious target for press photographers.-lu. the main/prime target» Teenagers have been the main targets of the advertising campaign.–Nouns-lu. the target audience/group/market» Our target audience is aged 30 to 45.–Verbs-lu. become a target (for sth)» There are ways to reduce your risk of becoming a target for criminals.-lu. identify a target» Consultants identify targets for potential takeovers.–Prepositions-lu. a target for sth» His outspoken views have made him a target for criticism.-lu. the target of sth» The company has found itself the target of lawsuits in recent years.• • •
Extra Examples:» They flew into heavy flak over the target area.» Major tourist attractions are a soft target for pickpockets.» We must decide on our target market, then zero in on it.» The target of these new laws is people whose dogs foul the streets.noun [C] (AIM)
► B2 a level or situation that you intend to achieve: » The government's target of 3.5 percent annual growth seems easily attainable.Thesaurus+: ↑Goals and purposesWord partners for target noun (OBJECT SHOT AT)• ♯attack/♯hit/♯miss/♯strike a target• ♯identify a target• a ♯likely/♯possible/♯potential target• an ♯obvious/♯prime target• an ♯easy/♯soft target• the ♯intended target• a target ♯for sthWord partners for target noun (PERSON/GROUP)• ♯become a target• the ♯main/♯prime target• a target ♯for sth• the target ♯audience/♯group/♯marketWord partners for target noun (AIM)• ♯set a target• ♯achieve/♯meet/♯reach a target• a target ♯date/♯figure/♯price/♯weight• an ♯achievable/♯realistic/♯reasonable target• a target ♯of sth• a target ♯for sthCollocations:–Verbs-lu. set a target» Each team is set a minimum fundraising target of £2000.-lu. achieve/attain/meet/reach a target» The aim is to reach the target of one million signatures by December.–Types-lu. an attainment/performance target» Staff must meet performance targets in certain key areas.-lu. a budget/financial/growth/inflation/profit target» The company has set itself a profit target of more than £100m for the current year.–Adjectives-lu. an achievable/realistic/reasonable target» You should set yourself realistic targets.–Nouns-lu. a target date/price/weight» The committee expects to complete its investigation by its February 15 target date.–Prepositions-lu. a target of sth» Doctors are expected to reach immunisation targets of 70 to 90%.-lu. a target for sth» Ambulances are not meeting the 15-minute target for urgent calls.-lu. below (a) target» Inflation is expected to remain below target.• • •
Extra Examples:» Do you think we will be able to meet our target?» He's set himself the goal/target of making his first million by the time he's 30.» We set ourselves a target of becoming self sufficient within four years.» Government targets for waiting lists are beginning to be met.noun [C] (OBJECT SHOT AT)
► B2 an object shot at during shooting practice, often a circle with a pattern of rings, or any object or place at which bullets, bombs, etc. are aimed: » I had four shots but I didn't even hit the target.» Any major airport or station is potentially a terrorist target.See picture: target 
Thesaurus+: ↑Target sportsWord partners for target noun (OBJECT SHOT AT)• ♯attack/♯hit/♯miss/♯strike a target• ♯identify a target• a ♯likely/♯possible/♯potential target• an ♯obvious/♯prime target• an ♯easy/♯soft target• the ♯intended target• a target ♯for sthWord partners for target noun (PERSON/GROUP)• ♯become a target• the ♯main/♯prime target• a target ♯for sth• the target ♯audience/♯group/♯marketWord partners for target noun (AIM)• ♯set a target• ♯achieve/♯meet/♯reach a target• a target ♯date/♯figure/♯price/♯weight• an ♯achievable/♯realistic/♯reasonable target• a target ♯of sth• a target ♯for sthCollocations:–Types-lu. a civilian/enemy/military/non-military target» The army fired missiles at military targets.-lu. a terrorist target» All large public gatherings are potential terrorist targets.–Verbs-lu. attack/hit/strike a target» The terrorists have threatened to attack high-profile targets.-lu. identify a target» A radar system is used to identify targets on the ground.-lu. miss a target» A number of houses were destroyed when the bomb missed its intended target.–Adjectives-lu. a likely/potential/possible target» The airport is seen as a potential target for an attack.-lu. a legitimate target» The group sees all politicians as legitimate targets.-lu. an obvious/prime target» These rebel bases are prime targets for military action.-lu. the intended target» The missiles landed several hundred feet from their intended target.-lu. a moving target» The system is designed to track moving targets on the battlefield.–Nouns-lu. target practice» Trainee pilots use the old tanks for target practice.-lu. target area» The planes should soon reach their target area.–Prepositions-lu. on target» The missile landed exactly on target.-lu. a target for sth» The oil refinery would make an obvious target for an attack.-lu. the target of sth» A guerilla training camp was the target of the assault.
• • •
Extra Examples:» Aim for the dead centre of the target.» Aim the arrow a little above the target.» When you've aligned the notch on the gun with the target, fire!» They received intelligence that the factory was a target for the bombing.» The missile strike was devastating - the target was totally obliterated.verb [T] (ATTACK) ↑Verb Endings for target
► F0 to aim an attack, or a bullet, bomb, etc., at a particular object, place, or person: » It is hoped that civilians will not be targeted during the war.Thesaurus+: ↑Aiming and aim , ↑Handguns and riflesverb [T] (DIRECT) ↑Verb Endings for target
► C2 to direct advertising, criticism, or a product at someone: » The paper is targeted specifically at young people.Thesaurus+: ↑Aiming and aim , ↑Handguns and rifles• • •
Extra Examples:» The adverts target yoof culture.» These adverts are designed to target young people.» High repayment loans are often targeted at the people who can least afford them.» Cigarette manufacturers have been criticized for targetting youngsters.