target

1 noun (C)

1 OBJECT OF ATTACK an object, person, or place that is deliberately chosen to be attacked

(+ for/of): The docks are the main target for the bombing raids. | soft/easy target: Cars without security devices are an easy target for the thief. | prime target (=a very likely target)

2 AN AIM a result, such as a total, an amount, or a time, which you aim to achieve; goal (1): I've set myself a target of saving -20 a month. | meet targets (=achieve targets): Dealers are under pressure to meet sales targets. | on target (=likely to achieve a target): We're on target for 3% inflation by 1996.

3 SHOOTING something that you practise shooting at, especially a round board with circles on it: A target 300 yards away | target practice: The area is used by the army for target practice.

4 target group/area/audience etc a limited group, area etc that a plan, idea etc is aimed at: We need to clearly identify our target market.

5 be the target of criticism/complaints etc to be criticized, blamed, etc for something: She's become the target of much criticism since the affair became public.

2 verb (T)

1 to aim something at a target: target sth on/at: missiles targeted on American and European cities

2 to make something have an effect on a particular limited group or area

(+ on/at): We want to target more welfare on the poorest groups in society.

3 to choose someone or something as your target: It's clear that smaller, more vulnerable banks have been targeted.