Word
crossfire
Phoneticscross·fire, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹɔsˌfaɪɹ/
UK/kɹˈɒsfaɪə/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. gunfire coming from two or more different directions that crosses over an area. It also describes a situation where you are caught between two groups who are arguing.
n. gunfire from two or more positions crossing the same area. Often used metaphorically to describe a situation where a neutral party is affected by a conflict between two opposing sides.
Examples
“The reporter was caught in the crossfire during the protest.”
“Innocent civilians often suffer the most when they are trapped in the crossfire of a local conflict.”
“The junior manager found himself in the crossfire of a bitter dispute between the CEO and the board of directors, making his position increasingly untenable.”
Examples
simple
“The reporter was caught in the crossfire during the protest.”
contextual
“Innocent civilians often suffer the most when they are trapped in the crossfire of a local conflict.”
complex
“The junior manager found himself in the crossfire of a bitter dispute between the CEO and the board of directors, making his position increasingly untenable.”
Usage
Commonly used in the idiomatic phrase 'caught in the crossfire'.
Real-World Examples
“Police in Baltimore have said the young girl was not a target of the shooting but was caught in the crossfire.” “The big reason was because he got shot in the shoulder in gang crossfire.” Etymology
From cross- + fire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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