Mistarget

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To direct an attempt, action, or aim at the wrong target or objective
2. To fail to correctly identify or focus on the intended target in an effort or action
3. To aim or direct something inaccurately, missing the intended goal or target

Etymology: "Mistarget" is a plain compound: the prefix "mis-", meaning wrongly or badly, attached to "target." The verb therefore means, in effect, to aim or direct something at the wrong target, and it is built in the same way as older English verbs such as "misjudge" or "misspell." The more interesting part is "target" itself, which is a diminutive-sounding word with a military past. It comes from Old French "targe," a light shield, and the shield was the original sense in English too. Only later did the word shift to the thing a shield-bearer might aim at, and then to any mark an archer or gunner aims for. "Mistarget" therefore literally describes sending a shot away from the shield, or from whatever the shield was meant to protect.

Synonyms: misaim, misdirect, misfocus

Antonyms: target accurately, aim correctly