target*/*/*/

[ˈtɑːgɪt] noun [C] I

1) someone or something that is being attacked

military targets such as air bases[/ex]

Foreigners have become targets for attack by terrorists.[/ex]

2) a person, organization, or idea that is being criticized or blamed

The policy has become the target of severe criticism.[/ex]

3) something that you try to achieve

The organization is setting a target of 2, 000 new members.[/ex]

The government hasn't met its target (= achieved it) for reducing unemployment.[/ex]

The economy was on target to grow by more than 4 per cent.[/ex]

The film's target audience is children in the 11 to 14 age range.[/ex]

4) an object that you have to hit in a game

Few players managed to get their shots on target.[/ex]

II

verb [T]

target [ˈtɑːgɪt]

1) to attack or criticize someone or something

The terrorists were targeting government buildings.[/ex]

The company had been targeted because of its bad record on pollution.[/ex]

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

television advertising targeted at children[/ex]