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

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

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Few of these feuds have been as prominent as the crossfire between billionaires Reid Hoffman and Elon Musk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 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