crossfire

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English cross- Proto-Indo-European *péh₂wr̥ Proto-Germanic *fōr Proto-West Germanic *fuir Old English fȳr Middle English fyr English fire English crossfire From cross- + fire.

1. An arrangement of two or more weapons so each can fire diagonally at something in front of a line between them.
2. The danger to a third party passing between two belligerents firing at one another.

   “The two factions were either side of the road. A civilian lorry was caught in the crossfire and became collateral damage”

3. The danger to a third party passing between a gunman and his target.

   “A woman who was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting in north London on Tuesday evening was not the intended target, police have said.”

4. A heated confrontation between opposing factions.