targetnoun
uk/ˈtɑː.ɡɪt/us/ˈtɑːr.ɡɪt/target noun (OBJECT SHOT AT)
B2 [ C ] 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:
More 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.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Target sports
- aim
- archer
- archery
- arrow
- bolt
- bullseye
- clay pigeon
- dart
- dartboard
- marksman
- marksmanship
- markswoman
- pot
- quiver
- sharpshooter
- shooter
- shooting
- shooting gallery
- target practice
- trapshooting
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target 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:
C1 [ C usually singular ] one or more people who are criticized or laughed at, or who experience unpleasant treatment from others:
More 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.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Getting, receiving and accepting
- acquihire
- acquire
- acquisition
- awardee
- carve
- draw
- earn
- fill
- get sth out of sth
- glom onto sth/sb
- go to sb
- grasp
- obtain
- pick
- score
- secure
- snatch
- snatch at sth
- wangle
- wrest
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
target noun (AIM)
B2 [ C ] a level or situation that you intend to achieve:
More 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.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Goals and purposes
- affordance
- aim
- ambition
- aspiration
- avail
- cause 1
- dedicated
- deliverable
- end
- KPI
- objective
- order
- orientation
- point
- poodle
- poodle around (sth)
- prize
- should
- use
- utility
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Idiom(s)
targetverb [ T ]
uk/ˈtɑː.ɡɪt/us/ˈtɑːr.ɡɪt/target verb [ T ] (DIRECT)
C2 to direct advertising, criticism, or a product at someone:
More 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.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Aiming and aim
- aim
- direct
- home
- home in on sth/sb
- level
- level sth at sb
- train
- zero
- zero in on sth/sb
target verb [ T ] (ATTACK)
to aim an attack, or a bullet, bomb, etc., at a particular object, place, or person:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Aiming and aim
- aim
- direct
- home
- home in on sth/sb
- level
- level sth at sb
- train
- zero
- zero in on sth/sb