target
target Lexical Profile
target Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An objective or result towards which efforts are directed.
"The company set a challenging sales target for the upcoming fiscal quarter."
A person, object, or place selected as the aim of an attack, criticism, or specialized attention.
"The celebrity became a frequent target of malicious tabloid rumors."
A mark, typically consisting of concentric circles, shot at for practice or in a competition.
"The archer steadily drew his bow and released the arrow, hitting the exact center of the target."
• verb
To direct an action, message, or effort at a particular person, group, or thing.
"The new advertising campaign is specifically designed to target young adult consumers."
To select as an object of attack or aggressive attention.
"Cybercriminals often target financial institutions to steal sensitive customer data."
Word Origin & Etymology
From Late Middle English 'target', meaning a light shield, borrowed from Old French 'targette', a diminutive of 'targe' (shield). The meaning shifted in the 18th century from a physical shield to a circular mark shot at for practice.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.