Definition

1. Noun:

   • An object or goal that one aims to achieve: "target" refers to a specific objective or desired result that someone works toward.
   • An object marked to shoot at in practice or competition: In sports like archery or shooting, a "target" is a marked surface, often with concentric circles, that people aim at.
   • A person or thing that is the focus of an action, attack, or criticism: "target" can describe someone or something singled out for attention, often negative.

2. Verb:

   • To aim or direct something at a specific object or goal: "target" means to select something as an object of attention or action.
   • To intend for a particular group or purpose: It can also mean to design or plan something for a specific audience or use.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The company's main target is to increase sales by 20% this year.
  • Her arrow hit the center of the target perfectly.
  • Celebrities are often the target of unwanted media attention.

• Verb:

  • The new advertising campaign targets young professionals.
  • The charity targets its aid to the most vulnerable communities.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on target": to be progressing correctly toward a goal.

  • Our project is on target to finish by the deadline.

• "To be wide of the mark/target": to be incorrect or inaccurate.

  • His estimate of the cost was wide of the target.

• "A moving target": a goal or situation that keeps changing.

  • Consumer preferences are a moving target for marketers.

Variants and Related Words

• Targeted (adj): directed at a specific person or group.

  • The government launched a targeted aid program.

• Targetable (adj): capable of being targeted.

  • The missile system has targetable precision.

• Target audience (n): the specific group of people a product or message is intended for.

  • The film's target audience is teenagers.

Synonyms

• Noun: Goal, objective, aim, mark, bullseye.
• Verb: Aim, direct, focus, intend.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Target at: To aim something toward someone or something.

  • The comments were targeted at the management team.

• Target for: To select someone or something for a particular purpose, often negative.

  • The old building was targeted for demolition.

Related Idioms

• "In the crosshairs" / "In someone's sights": To be the target of criticism or attack. (Note: These are related idioms that convey a similar meaning to being a target.)

  • After the scandal, the CEO was in the crosshairs of the board.

• "Hit the target": to achieve a goal successfully.

  • With that new contract, we've finally hit our annual target.

Noun

1. the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
   • the sole object of her trip was to see her children
2. sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at
3. the location of the target that is to be hit
4. a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
   • he fell prey to muggers
   • everyone was fair game
   • the target of a manhunt
5. a reference point to shoot at
   • his arrow hit the mark

Verb

1. intend (something) to move towards a certain goal
   • He aimed his fists towards his opponent's face
   • criticism directed at her superior
   • direct your anger towards others, not towards yourself