target

[[t]tɑ͟ː(r)gɪt[/t]]

♦♦

targets, targeting, targeted

also targetting, targetted

1) N-COUNT A target is something at which someone is aiming a weapon or other object.

The village lies beside a main road, making it an easy target for bandits...

The missiles missed their target...

He missed the target only once yesterday...

We threw knives at targets.

2) N-COUNT A target is a result that you are trying to achieve.

He's won back his place too late to achieve his target of 20 goals this season.

...school leavers who failed to reach their target grades.

3) VERB To target a particular person or thing means to decide to attack or criticize them.

[V n] In 23 attacks, the terrorists targeted military bases...

[V n] He targets the economy as the root cause of the deteriorating law and order situation.

N-COUNT: oft N of/for n

Target is also a noun.

In the past they have been the target of racist abuse... The professor has been a frequent target for animal rights extremists.

4) VERB If you target a particular group of people, you try to appeal to those people or affect them.

[V n] The campaign will target American insurance companies...

[V n] The company has targeted adults as its primary customers.

N-COUNT

Target is also a noun.

Yuppies are a prime target group for marketing strategies.

5) PHRASE: v-link PHR If someone or something is on target, they are making good progress and are likely to achieve the result that is wanted.

We were still right on target for our deadline.