crosshair

noun

cross·​hair ˈkrȯs-ˌher 

: a fine wire or thread in the focus of the eyepiece of an optical instrument used as a reference line in the field or for marking the instrumental axis

—used figuratively to describe someone or something being targeted as if through an aiming device having crosshairs

… in the crosshairs this political season

—J. H. Alter

Examples of crosshair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While Friedman says both presidential candidates have Big Tech in their crosshairs, the election's outcome is otherwise not weighing heavily on the market. —Claire Rychlewski, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

In reality the map placed crosshairs on congressional districts, not members of Congress. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2024

In addition to riling the MPAA, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s lurid, controversial title would end up putting it directly into the crosshairs of the nation’s squeamish and easily offended critics. —Chris Nashawaty, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024

Conclusion Whether using deepfakes or simply making a phone call, cybercriminals have increasingly put service desks in their crosshairs. —Michael Engle, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cross hair

noun

: one of the very thin wires or threads in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (as a microscope) used as a reference line