crossfire

/ˈkrɑsfaɪər/

/ˈkrɒsfaɪə/

Other forms: crossfires

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.

Definitions of crossfire

1. noun

   fire from two or more points so that the lines of fire cross
   type of:

   fire, firing

   the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
2. noun

   a lively or heated interchange of ideas and opinions
   type of:

   conversation

   the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.