Targeting
/ˈtɑːrɡɪtɪŋ/noun
The act of directing attention, resources, or action toward a particular person, group, or objective.
Did you know?The noun target originally referred to a small shield used for practice or protection before acquiring its modern sense of something deliberately aimed at.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Germanic
*targō
“A shield or protective rim; the reconstructed ancestor is uncertain but associated with Germanic shield terminology.”
13th Century
Old French
targete
“A small shield, from Old French targe with a diminutive ending.”
14th Century
Middle English
target
“A small shield, especially one used for practice or as a defensive object.”
16th Century
English
target
“An object or mark aimed at in shooting or other forms of attack.”
18th–19th Century
English
target
“A person, group, or objective selected for criticism, influence, attack, or attention.”
Modern English
English
targeting
“The act or process of directing action, advertising, surveillance, or resources toward a selected target.”