target

I UK [ˈtɑː(r)ɡɪt] / US [ˈtɑrɡət] noun [countable]
Word forms "target":
singular target plural targets
***

1) an object that you have to hit in a game or a sport

on/off target (= accurate or not accurate):

Few players managed to get their shots on target.

a) a person, building, or area that someone intends to attack

Foreigners have become targets for attack by terrorists.

The house was left empty and therefore a target for vandals.

a murderer who carefully selected his targets

potential military targets such as air bases and oil fields

b) something such as a person, idea, or statement that can be criticized

target for:

His war record became a target for his enemies.

easy target:

Some plans for development offered an easy target in the press.

target of:

The policy has become the target of severe criticism.

See:

sitting target

2) something that you try to achieve

set a target:

They are setting a target of 2,000 new members.

meet a target (= achieve it):

Not many states will meet their targets for energy conservation.

target level:

They should get to their target level in about twelve months.

on/off/below/above target:

Oil production was 15 per cent below target.

target date (= the date that you are hoping something will be done):

We are setting June as a target date for completion.

sales target (= the amount of something that you want to sell):

The idea is helping staff to achieve their sales targets.

a) someone that you are trying to get as a customer or audience

the paper's target readership

prime target (= perfect target):

We think teenagers are a prime target for the anti-smoking campaign.

b) someone or something that you want to deal with or control

Their best players are now targets for richer teams.

The mayor was the target of eight separate tax investigations.

They made an offer for the target company (= the one they wanted to buy).

•

- moving target

II UK [ˈtɑː(r)ɡɪt] / US [ˈtɑrɡət] verb [transitive]
Word forms "target":
present tense I/you/we/they target he/she/it targets present participle targeting past tense targeted past participle targeted
**

1)

a) to intend or to try to attack someone or something

The terrorists were targeting government buildings.

b) to aim a bomb or weapon at someone or something

Nuclear missiles will no longer be targeted on these cities.

2) to try to persuade or to influence a particular group of people

The billboards had been targeting travellers at airports.

television advertising that is targeted at children

3) to criticize or to work against a particular person or group that you oppose

The company had been targeted by environmentalists.

Police are specifically targeting criminal gangs.

4) to direct money or help to a particular group of people

We are targeting assistance towards people on low incomes.