target etymology

Etymology:

"Target" comes from the Middle English word "targe," which in turn derives from the Old French word "targe," meaning "shield."

Meaning:

  • A small, circular object or area used as a mark to shoot at.
  • A goal or objective.
  • A person or thing that is the object of attention or attack.

Origin:

The word "targe" originally referred to a small, lightweight shield used by infantry in the Middle Ages. The use of the term to refer to a shooting target is believed to have originated in the 16th century. The idea being that the shield, like a target, was a protective barrier against incoming projectiles.

Additional Information:

  • The word "target" has also been adopted into several other languages, including Spanish ("blanco"), French ("cible"), and German ("Ziel").
  • The verb "to target" means to aim at or focus on something.
  • The word "target audience" refers to the specific group of people that a particular message or product is aimed at.

target relate terms

  • off target

    Etymology Off From Old English of meaning away from Target From Old French tar

  • target

    Etymology Target comes from the Middle English word targe which in turn derives fro

  • targe

    Etymology Middle English target from Old French targe from Late Latin targa from

  • target

    Etymology Target comes from the Middle English word targe which in turn derives fro

  • object

    Etymology The word object derives from the Latin word objectum which means somethin

  • point blank

    Etymology Point From the Old French point meaning sharp end or dot Blank From

  • scope

    Etymology The word scope comes from the Middle English term scōp which itself ori

  • quintain

    Etymology Old French quintaine Late Latin quintana a military exercise Latin quintus

  • stochastic

    Etymology stochastic adjective from Ancient Greek στοχαστικός stokhastik

  • address

    Etymology The word address derives from the Old French word adrecier which in turn

  • post

    Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

  • spot

    Etymology The word spot traces its origins back to Old English OE specifically to t