target Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a reference point to shoot at
    mark.
    • his arrow hit the mark
  2. noun a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
    fair game; prey; quarry.
    • he fell prey to muggers
    • everyone was fair game
    • the target of a manhunt
  3. noun the location of the target that is to be hit
    target area.
  4. noun sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at
    butt.
  5. noun the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
    aim; objective; object.
    • the sole object of her trip was to see her children
  6. verb intend (something) to move towards a certain goal
    aim; point; place; direct.
    • He aimed his fists towards his opponent's face
    • criticism directed at her superior
    • direct your anger towards others, not towards yourself

WordNet

Tar"get noun
Etymology
OF. targette, dim. of OF. & F. targe, of Teutonic origin; cf. AS. targe, OD. targie, G. zarge a frame, case, border, OHG. zarga, Icel. targa shield.
Definitions
  1. A kind of small shield or buckler, used as a defensive weapon in war.
  2. (a) A butt or mark to shoot at, as for practice, or to test the accuracy of a firearm, or the force of a projectile. (b) The pattern or arrangement of a series of hits made by a marksman on a butt or mark; as, he made a good target.
  3. (Surveying) The sliding crosspiece, or vane, on a leveling staff.
  4. (Railroad) A conspicuous disk attached to a switch lever to show its position, or for use as a signal.

Webster 1913