target
tar·get / ˈtärgit/ • n. 1. a person, object, or place selected as the aim of an attack. ∎ a mark or point at which someone fires or aims, esp. a round or rectangular board marked with concentric circles used in archery or shooting. ∎ an objective or result toward which efforts are directed: the car met its sales target in record time. ∎ Phonet. an idealization of the articulation of a speech sound, with reference to which actual utterances can be described. ∎ a person or thing against whom criticism or abuse is or may be directed.2. hist. a small, round shield or buckler.• v. (-get·ed, -get·ing) [tr.] (usu. be targeted) select as an object of attention or attack: two men were targeted by the attackers. ∎ aim or direct (something): a significant nuclear capability targeted on the U.S.PHRASES: on target accurately hitting the thing aimed at. ∎ proceeding or improving at a good enough rate to achieve an objective: the new police station is on target for a June opening.DERIVATIVES: tar·get·a·ble adj.