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).
Derivatives:
targetable adj.
Etymology: ME, dimin. of ME and OF targe shield