cross fire

cross fire

noun

Definition of CROSS FIRE

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

Examples of CROSS FIRE

1. <viewers tune in to witness the weekly cross fire between the liberal and conservative commentators>

First Known Use of CROSS FIRE

1799

Related to CROSS FIRE

Synonyms: altercation, argle-bargle [chiefly British], argy-bargy [chiefly British], battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, argument, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle

Related Words: clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle; logomachy; feud, vendetta; attack, contention, dissension (also dissention); debate, difference, disputation; fuss, objection, protest, protestation; affray [chiefly British], fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee (also mêlée); catfight

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Rhymes with CROSS FIRE

attire, backfire, bemire, catch fire, denier, desire, entire, for hire, fox fire, Greek fire, grey friar, hang fire, hellfire, live wire, on fire, prior, rimfire, sapphire, sea fire, snow tire, town crier, trip wire, umpire, watch fire, white friar