1. objects aimed at in shooting or throwing practice
2. goals or objectives to be achieved
3. people or things selected as objects of attention or attack

1. aims at or focuses on as an objective
2. selects as an object of attention or attack

Examples

• The archers practiced shooting at paper targets.
• The company set ambitious sales targets for next quarter.
• The new policy targets low-income families for assistance.
• Criminals often choose easy targets for their schemes.
• The marketing campaign targets teenagers and young adults.
• She hit three targets in a row during practice.
• The charity targets its efforts toward homeless veterans.
• Moving targets are much harder to hit than stationary ones.