cross fire
noun
1
a
: firing (as in combat) from two or more points so that the lines of fire cross
b
: a situation wherein the forces of opposing factions meet, cross, or clash
caught in a political cross fire
2
: rapid or heated exchange of words
Synonyms
Examples of cross fire in a Sentence
viewers tune in to witness the weekly cross fire between the liberal and conservative commentators
Recent Examples on the Web
Unfortunately, the older teens (including Louise’s nemesis, Logan) have taken over the area for snowball fights, and the younger kids get caught in the cross fire.
—
Lillian Brown, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2024
The incident was the latest of several protests on campuses across the country by pro-Palestinian protesters in response to the war between Israel and Hamas and the killing of thousands of Palestinians caught in the cross fire.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the cross fire.
—USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024
Their car escaped only because Gal pushed the driver’s head down to avoid being hit by the intense cross fire.
—David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cross fire 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lillian Brown, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2024
The incident was the latest of several protests on campuses across the country by pro-Palestinian protesters in response to the war between Israel and Hamas and the killing of thousands of Palestinians caught in the cross fire.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the cross fire.
—USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024
Their car escaped only because Gal pushed the driver’s head down to avoid being hit by the intense cross fire.
—David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cross fire
Dictionary Entries Near cross fire
Cite this Entry
“Cross fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20fire. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share