Definition of "cross-fire" [cross-fire]

• Milit., lines of fire from two or more parts of a work which cross one another: often used figuratively: as, to undergo a cross-fire of questions. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "When I’m facing right-handed batters I’m inclined to use what might be termed a cross-fire ball."
• "But Kristalina Georgieva, the EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response says the EU believes if they cannot reach people, if they cannot evacuate the wounded or help those civilians caught in the cross-fire, then there is no option but to provide military support."
• "Up to three thousand people were killed in the course of this offensive, either in battle, or caught in the cross-fire, or killed in cold blood."