crossfire
UK: /ˈkrɒs.faɪər/ | US: /ˈkrɔːs.faɪr/
n. 1. A situation where gunfire crosses from two or more directions.
n. 2. A heated exchange of arguments or criticism between opposing parties.
The word "crossfire" originated in the mid-19th century, combining "cross" (from Old English "cros," meaning intersecting lines) and "fire" (from Old English "fȳr," referring to shooting or combustion). Initially used in military contexts to describe intersecting gunfire, it later evolved metaphorically to describe verbal or ideological clashes where opposing forces "intersect." The logic mirrors the literal overlapping of trajectories in combat, extended to abstract conflicts.
Soldiers were trapped in the crossfire during the ambush.
The debate turned into a political crossfire between the candidates.
Journalists often face crossfire when reporting on controversial issues.
The civilians were warned to avoid the crossfire zone.
His statement ignited a crossfire of criticism on social media.