target

tar|get1 [ `targət ] noun count ***

1. ) an object that you have to hit in a game or sport:

on/off target (=accurate or not accurate): Few players managed to get their shots on target.

a ) a person, building, or area that someone intends to attack:

Foreigners have become targets for attack by terrorists.

The house was left empty and therefore a target for vandals.

a murderer who carefully selected his targets

potential military targets such as air bases and oil fields

b ) something such as a person, idea, or statement that can be criticized:

target for: His war record became a target for his enemies.

easy/sitting target: Some plans for development offered an easy target in the press.

target of: The policy has become the target of severe criticism.

2. ) something that you try to achieve:

set a target: They are setting a target of 2,000 new members.

meet a target (=achieve it): Not many states will meet their targets for energy conservation.

target level: They should get to their target level in about twelve months.

on/off/below/above target: Oil production was 15 percent below target .

target date (=the date that you are hoping something will be done): We are setting June as a target date for completion.

sales target (=the amount of something you want to sell): The idea is helping staff to achieve their sales targets.

a ) someone that you are trying to get as a customer or audience:

the paper's target readership

prime target (=perfect target): We think teenagers are a prime target for the antismoking campaign.

b ) someone or something that you want to deal with or control:

Their best players are now targets for richer teams.

The mayor was the target of eight separate tax investigations.

They made an offer for the target company (=the one they wanted to buy).

moving target

1. ) something that you are trying to attack that is moving, for example an airplane

2. ) an idea or situation that continuously changes as you are trying to deal with it

target

tar|get 2 [ `targət ] verb transitive **

1. ) to intend or try to attack someone or something:

The army headquarters had been targeted and badly damaged.

a ) to aim a bomb or weapon at someone or something:

Nuclear missiles will no longer be targeted on these cities.

2. ) to try to persuade or influence a particular group of people:

The billboards had been targeting travelers at airports.

television advertising targeted at children

3. ) to criticize or work against a particular person or group that you oppose:

The company had been targeted by environmentalists.

Police are specifically targeting criminal gangs.

4. ) to direct money or help to a particular group of people:

The money is targeted for families below the poverty line.