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

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

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

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

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 • Mar. 7, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Many athletes leapt to Hess' defence, including Gu: "As someone who's been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes".

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Thus the chemical war is never won, and all life is caught in its violent crossfire.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

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