crossfire

or cross fire

[ kraws-fahyer, kros‐ ]

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

/ ˈkrɒsˌfaɪə /

noun

1. military converging fire from one or more positions
2. a lively exchange of ideas, opinions, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of crossfire¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The UK could try and remain neutral, but would struggle to avoid the crossfire, especially for the goods trade in pharmaceuticals and cars.

From BBC

“The men and women in blue may find themselves caught in the crossfire caused by the potential violence sparked by misinformation campaigns from foreign hostile nations and some American political operatives.”

From Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles police said the victims were homeless people caught in the crossfire of a gang shootout, and that two suspects had already been arrested for allegedly participating in a flash mob-style robbery.

From Los Angeles Times

Two others were also caught in the crossfire but unharmed, police said, which led to a total of eight counts of attempted murder filed this week against the suspects.

From Los Angeles Times

While America’s legal system has many injustices contained within it, Trump’s authoritarian disregard for it endangers not just innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of Purge-like violence but the very foundations of liberal democracy.

From Salon

Related Words

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