lock-on
Missile finds target
Lock-on describes a targeting system's ability to track a moving object automatically once acquired.
In military and video game contexts, achieving lock-on means a weapon or sensor has fixed on a target and will follow it: The missile achieved lock-on, Wait for the lock-on indicator before firing.
The hyphenated form typically functions as a noun or adjective; the verb phrase is usually two words: lock on to the target.
Self-guided airborne weapon
- radarRadio-wave object detection
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- homingSteering toward a target
- acquisitionAct of obtaining something
guidance · infrared · heat-seeking · aim · crosshairs · weapons · laser · designator
Object of pursuit
- auto-aimAssisted targeting feature
- enemyHostile opposing party
- reticleOptical sighting pattern
- combatArmed hostile engagement
strafe · dodge · boss · tracking · camera · focus · melee · ranged
Persistent mental attachment
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- single-mindedDevoted to one purpose
unwavering · dedication · commitment · intense · honed · pursuit · goal · driven
missile
Self-guided airborne weapon
acquisition · guidance · infrared · heat-seeking · aim · crosshairs · weapons · laser · designator · pursuit
target
Object of pursuit
combat · strafe · dodge · boss · tracking · camera · focus · melee · ranged · engage
fixation
Persistent mental attachment
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- determinationFirmness of purpose
single-minded · unwavering · dedication · commitment · intense · honed · pursuit · goal · driven · relentless
engage
Actively participate or connect
fasten · mechanism · detent · catch · coupling · attachment · snap · hold · grip · retention
- game mechanicslevels, rules, cooldown, points, health points
- Air Combatair strike, airstrikes, fighter pilot, bombing run, combat aircraft
- combat mechanicsmelee, melee attack, ranged attack, damage, combos
- Dogfightingdogfight, barrel roll, wingman, bandit, six o'clock
- missile warfaremissile, cruise missile, guidance, homing, warhead
- environmentalismecology, conservationism, recycling bins, campaigner, environmentalism
lock-onunguided
Lacking direction or supervision
hip fire · iron sights · point and shoot · spray and pray · suppressive fire
lock-ondistraction
Thing diverting one's attention
inattention · unfocused · disengagement · zoning out · mind-wandering