n. & v.
n. 1 a mark or point fired or aimed at, esp. a round or rectangular object marked with concentric circles. 2 a person or thing aimed at, or exposed to gunfire etc. (they were an easy target). 3 (also attrib.) an objective or result aimed at (our export targets; target date). 4 a person or thing against whom criticism, abuse, etc., is or may be directed. 5 archaic a shield or buckler, esp. a small round one.
v.tr. (targeted, targeting) 1 identify or single out (a person or thing) as an object of attention or attack. 2 aim or direct (missiles targeted on major cities; should target our efforts where needed). targetable adj.
[ ME, dimin. of ME and OF targe shield ]