crossfire

American  

[kraws-fahyer, kros‐] / ˈkrɔsˌfaɪər, ˈkrɒs‐ /

Or cross fire

noun

1. lines of gunfire from two or more positions or combatants crossing one another, or a single one of such lines.

2. a brisk exchange of words or opinions.

3. a situation involving conflicting claims, forces, etc.

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crossfire British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌfaɪə /

noun

1. military converging fire from one or more positions

2. a lively exchange of ideas, opinions, etc

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Etymology

Origin of crossfire

First recorded in 1855–60

Explanation

Crossfire is when weapons are being fired from different directions, crossing the same general area. Getting caught in crossfire during a shootout can be deadly. Crossfire is a situation that comes up when gangsters and police officers are shooting at each other, or in a war during a battle between enemies. A figurative type of crossfire is much more common: the back-and-forth of strenuous arguments, debate, or controversy. You might, for example, find yourself caught in the crossfire of your best friends' feud. The word dates from the 18th century.

Example Sentences

The initiative increasingly relied on foreign investors to bridge the funding gap, an ambition now caught directly in the crossfire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Crypto-related stocks were caught in the crossfire, too.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Now, school picture day is in the crossfire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

"As someone who's been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes," she said.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

I knew nobody wanted to be caught in a crossfire.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Related Words

• blast
• bombardment
• fusillade
• gunfire
• hail
• salvo
• shelling
• shower
• storm
• volley