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.

---

crossfire British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌfaɪə /

noun

1. military converging fire from one or more positions

2. a lively exchange of ideas, opinions, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of crossfire

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

For many young Lebanese caught in the crossfire, their formative years have been jeopardised by repeated conflicts and crises.

From Barron's

Paris has rejected the accusations against him and called for Ryan's immediate release, insisting he is not linked to French intelligence and arguing he has been caught in the crossfire of diplomatic tensions.

From Barron's

For families caught in the crossfire, the escalation has brought renewed fear.

From BBC

Some countries in the region have been caught in the crossfire after strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday 28 February.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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