crossfire
or cross fire
[kraws-fahyer, kros‐]
- lines of gunfire from two or more positions or combatants crossing one another, or a single one of such lines.
- a brisk exchange of words or opinions.
- a situation involving conflicting claims, forces, etc.
Show More
Origin of crossfire
First recorded in 1855–60
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for cross-fire
intersection, junction, give-and-take, networking, shower, salvo, hail, fusillade, bombardment, storm, volley, blast, gunfire, burst, firing, crossfire, attack, explosion, barter, shiftExamples from the Web for cross-fire
Contemporary Examples of cross-fire
When you haven't been in the cross-fire of a smart debater, you panic in the moment.
Historical Examples of cross-fire
His lordship listened, though with a cross-fire of interruptions.
Ruggles of Red GapHarry Leon Wilson
Irene kept up a cross-fire of words with the vicomte and Velletri.
The Son of Monte-Cristo, Volume II (of 2)Alexandre Dumas pre
But, packed as they were, the cross-fire could not fail to be deadly.
Two Sides of the FaceArthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
Being here encountered by a cross-fire from the store they were stopped.
The Story of the Zulu CampaignWaller Ashe
There was a babble of welcome, a cross-fire of question and answer.
Regiment of WomenClemence Dane
crossfire
- military converging fire from one or more positions
- a lively exchange of ideas, opinions, etc
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for cross-fire
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper