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Definitions

crossfire

[kraws-fahyer, kros‐] / ˈkrɔsˌfaɪər, ˈkrɒs‐ /
NOUN
barrage
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blast bombardment fusillade gunfire hail salvo shelling shower storm volley
STRONG
battery broadside cannonade discharge enfilade fire
WEAK
curtain of fire
NOUN
fire
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attack bombardment bombing explosion shelling
STRONG
bombarding cannonade cannonading fusillade hail round salvo sniping volley
NOUN
interchange
Synonyms
STRONGEST
give-and-take intersection junction networking
STRONG
altering alternation barter change mesh reciprocation shift trade transposition variation varying
NOUN
volley
Synonyms
STRONGEST
burst firing gunfire salvo
STRONG
battery bombardment cannonade enfilade hail round shelling shower storm
WEAK
fussilade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Paris has rejected the accusations against him and called for Ryan's immediate release, insisting he is not linked to French intelligence and arguing he has been caught in the crossfire of diplomatic tensions.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

Crypto-related stocks were caught in the crossfire, too.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

They were bystanders, it turned out, caught in crossfire.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Now, school picture day is in the crossfire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

Thus the chemical war is never won, and all life is caught in its violent crossfire.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson