ˈtɑ:ɡɪt n. & v. --n. 1 a mark or
point fired or aimed
at,
esp. a
round or
rectangular object marked with concentric circles. 2 a
person or
thing aimed at, or exposed to
gunfire etc. (they
were an
easy target). 3 (also attrib.) an
objective or
result aimed at (our
export targets; target date). 4 a person or thing
against whom criticism,
abuse,
etc., is or
may be directed. 5
archaic a
shield or
buckler, esp. a
small round
one. --v.tr. (targeted, targeting) 1
identify or
single out (a person or thing) as an object of
attention or
attack. 2
aim or
direct (missiles targeted on
major cities;
should target
our efforts
where needed). øøtargetable adj. [ME, dimin. of ME
and OF
targe shield]