noun
crossfire
KROS-feye-uh
noun
1
Gunfire coming from two or more directions, especially endangering anyone caught between the shooters.
"A bystander was hit in the crossfire during the shootout."
2
A heated exchange between opposing sides in an argument.
"She found herself caught in the crossfire of her parents' divorce."
How to Use Crossfire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally gunfire from multiple directions, or figuratively being caught between two arguing parties.
Common pairings
caught in the crossfire
political crossfire
Word Forms
crossfires plural
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A bystander was hit in the _____ during the shootout.
Etymology
Formed from "cross-" plus "fire," describing gunfire directed across a shared line of attack.