/ ˈkrɒsfaɪə(r); NAmE ˈkrɔːs-/ noun
[ U ] the firing of guns from two or more directions at the same time, so that the bullets cross :
The doctor was killed in crossfire as he went to help the wounded.
( figurative )
When two industrial giants clash, small companies can get caught in the crossfire (= become involved and suffer as a result) .