Crosshairs - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms (2024)

/ˈkrɔsˌ(h)ɛərz/

IPA guide

Crosshairs are the wires that are lined up when a shooter is aiming a gun. A hunter might get a moose in her crosshairs before taking a shot.

Crosshairs, also spelled as two words, cross hairs, is another term for a reticle, the series of lines in an optical piece used to bring an image into focus. Binoculars, telescopes, and microscopes all use the same kind of device for focusing as the crosshairs of a rifle or gun. The word crosshairs simply comes from the two lines that intersect in the shape of a cross.

Definitions of crosshairs

  1. noun

    a network of fine lines, dots, cross hairs, or wires in the focal plane of the eyepiece of an optical instrument

    synonyms: graticule, reticle, reticule

    see moresee less

    type of:
    network

    a system of intersecting lines or channels

  2. noun

    a center of interest

    “the war on terrorism has put Saddam Hussein in the crosshairs

    see moresee less

    type of:
    center, center of attention, centre, centre of attention

    the object upon which interest and attention focuses

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Crosshairs - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms (2024)

FAQs

Crosshairs - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms? ›

Definitions of crosshairs. a network of fine lines, dots, cross hairs, or wires in the focal plane of the eyepiece of an optical instrument. synonyms: graticule, reticle, reticule. type of: network.

What does crosshairs mean in slang? ›

(caught) in the cross hairs. ​in a situation in which you are the target or victim of somebody's anger, violence or blame. In the fight over immigration, it's kids who are really getting caught in the cross hairs.

What does it mean to put someone in your crosshairs? ›

a target for someone who intends to catch, arrest, stop, or harm you: He's in the law's crosshairs now. People who say critical things about him find themselves in his crosshairs.

How do you use the word crosshairs? ›

two thin wires crossing each other in a gun or other device, which you use to help you aim at something: in someone's crosshairs A sniper had them in his crosshairs. in the crosshairs The poster showed his face in the crosshairs of a rifle.

What does crosshairs mean in politics? ›

in the crosshairs

: being aimed at by a gun (such as a rifle) that has an aiming device with crosshairs — often used figuratively. The senator's voting record was in the crosshairs of his political rivals. [=was being targeted by his political rivals]

What is crosshairs Oxford dictionary? ›

a pair of fine wires or lines crossing at right angles at the focus of a gun sight, for use in positioning, aiming, or measuring. From: crosshairs in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military »

What does caught in the crossfire mean? ›

If you are caught in the crossfire, you become involved in an unpleasant situation in which people are arguing with each other, although you do not want to be involved or say which person you agree with.

How do you get other people's crosshairs? ›

So, how do you copy someone else's VALORANT crosshair? It's simple, my fellow gamers. During a match, make sure you're viewing the player's crosshair you want to copy, and then type either "/crosshair copy" or "/cc" to import the crosshair and save it as a new crosshair profile.

What is the crosshair called? ›

A reticle is defined as a series of fine lines or fibers in the eyepiece of an optical device. Like what you see when you look into a rifle scope.

What is the definition of reticle? ›

ret·​i·​cle ˈre-ti-kəl. : a scale on transparent material (as in an optical instrument) used especially for measuring or aiming.

What is a crosshair symbol? ›

The crosshairs symbol typically refers to a pair of perpendicular lines that intersect at their midpoint, creating a small target or sight. This symbol is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including: Targeting: In shooting or hunting, crosshairs are used to aim at a specific target.

What does a crosshair symbol look like? ›

Crosshairs are typically represented as a pair of perpendicularly intersecting lines in the shape of a cross, "+", though many variations of additional features exist including dots, posts, concentric circles/horseshoes, chevrons, graduated markings, or a combination of above.

What does the crosshairs logo mean? ›

“The crosshairs logo symbolized the black man in America,” explains Chuck D . As the graphic emblem of the politically engaged Public Enemy, the logo blatantly portrays the violence suffered by African Americans at the hands of the police and the state – in the eighties and still today.

What does it mean to cross someone slang? ›

to annoy someone by not doing or saying what they want: I wouldn't cross him if I were you, not if you value your life. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.

What does Clatted mean in slang? ›

to talk fast and noisily; chatter: They clattered on and on about their children.

What is the slang fleek? ›

-ˈflēk. slang. : perfectly done : exactly right : excellent. If your brows are on fleek, your life is on fleek—that's just the way it goes.

What is a Frogskins slang? ›

1. : a piece of paper money. especially : a dollar bill. 2. frogskins plural : money.

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