How Do You Spell CROSS FIRE?

Pronunciation: [kɹˈɒs fˈa͡ɪ͡ə] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the phrase "cross fire" is /ˈkrɒs fʌɪə/. The first word is spelled with a single s, as opposed to the double ss in "crossed", while the second word is spelled as two separate words rather than one compound word. The use of the letter x in cross is due to its origin from the Old English word "cros", which was later borrowed from Latin. The spelling of fire is straight forward and its meaning in the phrase is self explanatory, referring to a projectile fired from a weapon.

CROSS FIRE Meaning and Definition

1. Crossfire is a commonly used term which refers to a situation where two or more parties are simultaneously attacking or criticizing each other. This term is derived from the military strategy where opposing forces target the same area from different angles, causing intense and overlapping gunfire. However, the term has expanded to include any situation where conflicting opinions or forces clash concurrently, resulting in a barrage of opposing actions or statements.

   In various contexts, crossfire could occur in different settings such as political debates, competitive sports, legal proceedings, or even interpersonal conflicts. In political debates, for instance, it may involve participants challenging each other's viewpoints or policies, often resulting in heated arguments or verbal sparring as each person defends their position. Crossfire in sports can refer to a situation where players from opposing teams launch attacks simultaneously, aiming to outwit or outmaneuver each other. Similarly, in legal proceedings, it pertains to situations where attorneys interrogate witnesses, resulting in intense questioning and contradictory statements.

   The metaphorical use of crossfire suggests a situation of intense confrontation, where both sides are actively engaged and making aggressive moves or statements against each other. Consequently, crossfire can create a tense and chaotic environment, with multiple viewpoints or actions clashing simultaneously, making it challenging for those involved to navigate or find a peaceful resolution.

2. Therapeutic radiation applied by frequent change of position of the applicator or by means of two or more applicators at different points.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CROSS FIRE

• crossefire
• crosfire
• krossfire
• crossfyre
• xross fire
• vross fire
• fross fire
• dross fire
• ceoss fire
• cdoss fire
• cfoss fire
• ctoss fire
• c5oss fire
• c4oss fire
• criss fire
• crkss fire
• crlss fire
• crpss fire
• cr0ss fire
• cr9ss fire

Etymology of CROSS FIRE

The word "crossfire" originates from the combination of two words: "cross" and "fire".

The term "cross" comes from the Old English word "cros", which is derived from the Latin word "crux". The word has been used since ancient times to refer to the structure in the shape of a "t" or an "X" on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Over time, "cross" has come to symbolize the concept of intersecting or crossing paths.

The word "fire" has its roots in the Old English word "fȳr" and has been used since ancient times as a noun to denote the burning process or as a verb to describe igniting something.

Combining these two words, "crossfire" was originally used in the military context to describe a situation where gunfire from multiple directions crosses paths.

Plural form of CROSS FIRE is CROSS FIRES